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'missions 



THE MORAVIANS 



AMONG TUE 



NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS 



INHABITING THE MIDDLE STATES OF THE UNION. 






Wntttii for the American Suuda^bohool Union, and revised 
by the Coiiimittce of Publication. 






AMERICAN SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. 

PHII. ADHIiPHI A : 

No. 145 Chesnut Street. 

1831. 



SAO 



ff 



Entered according to Act of Congress in tlie year 1831, by 
Paul Beck, Jr. Treasurer in trust for the American Sunday 
School Union, in tlie Clerk's Office of the Eastern District of 
Pennsylvania. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The United Brethren, or as they are 
more commonly called, the Moravians, 
whose missionary labours among the In- 
dians of North America will form the 
subject of this book, are a very ancient 
body of Christians, and date their origin 
from the Greek church in the ninth cen- 
tury. At that time, the kings of Bulgaria 
and Moravia, being converted to the faith, 
through the ladours of Methodius and Cy- 
rillus,two Greek monks,they were together 
with their subjects, united in communion 
with the Greek Church. Methodius was 
their first bishop, and for their use Cyrillus 
translated the scriptures into the Sclavo- 
nian language. During several centu- 
ries, which preceded the reformation, 
the Moravians, in common with several 
other sects, which still preserved the 

A 3 



VI INTRODUCTION. 

true spirit of the gospel, were exposed to 
the fury of persecution. At the Reforma- 
tion, their correspondence with Luther 
and Calvin and others, brought on a per- 
secution, which, with their own religious 
disputes, threatened entirely to destroy 
their existence. In 1575, they obtained 
an edict for the public exercise of their re- 
ligion; but in the civil war of 1612, which 
raged in Bohemia, they were again perse- 
cuted, and completely dispersed. One 
colony of these, which retained the faith 
in its purity, was in 1722, conducted by a 
brother, named Christian David, from 
Fulneck, in Moravia, to Upper Lusatia, 
where they put themselves under the pro- 
tection of Nicholas Lewis, Count of Zin- 
zendorf, and built a village on his estate. 
The Count showed every kindness to the 
poor emigrants; but being a zealous mem- 
ber of the church established by law, he 
endeavoured to prevail upon them to unite 
with it. This they declined; and the 
Count, on a more minute inquiry into 



INTRODUCTION. Vll 

their ancient history and tenets, became 
himself a convert to the faith and discipline 
of the United Brethren. Through his 
means the church was once more built up, 
and from his friendship with Potter and 
Seeker, the one Archbishop of Canterbury, 
the other Bishop of Oxford, the Parliament 
of Great Britain, after mature deliberation, 
were brought to acknowledge the United 
Brethren to be a Protestant Episcopal 
church. Their eminent benefactor Zin- 
zendorf died in the year 1760. 

That which particularly characterizes 
the Moravians, and holds them up to the 
attention of others, is their missionary 
zeal. In this they are superior to any 
other body of people in the world. Their 
missionaries are all volunteers; for it is an 
inviolable maxim with them to persuade 
no man to engage in missions. Their 
zeal is calm, steady, and persevering. 
They carry their point by address, and 
the insinuations of modesty and mildness, 



Vlll INTRODUCTION. 

which commend them to all men and give 
offence to none. 

Their enterprising piety is shown by 
the amazing extent, and fearlessness of 
their labours, in such remote parts of the 
globe, and amongst the most savage of 
mankind. They carried the gospel to 
Labrador and Greenland. They also went 
to the East Indies, to the Russian part of 
Asia, and among the Hottentots of Africa. 
They attempted to propagate the truth 
in Guinea, among the slaves in Algiers, 
in the island of Ceylon, and in Egypt. 
Some of their most effective missions 
were among the negro slaves of the West 
India islands. South America also was 
not neglected by them; and their wonder- 
ful zeal, perseverance and devotion in the 
propagation of the Christian faith amongst 
the Aborigines of our country, their various 
successes, and their submission to the rod 
of persecution and failure, will form the 
interesting subject of the ensuing portion 
of this work. 



HISTORY 

OF THE 

MOHAYIAN MISSIONS, &c. 



CHAPTER I. 

As early as the year 1727, the Moravian 
brethren began to take the conversion of 
the heathen into the most earnest consid- 
eration. After much serious deliberation, 
the first missionaries were sent from the 
church of the brethren, in 1732, to St. 
Thomas, an island in the West Indies, un- 
der the Danish government. Others were 
sent to Greenland; but the labours and 
exertions of these truly excellent men 
among the North American Indians, par- 
ticularly those described in the History of 
the Indians inhabiting the middle States 
of the Union,* was an attempt of no 
small difficulty, and will chiefly occupy 
our attention in this volume. 

When the followers of Schwenkfeld 

* This liistory was designed as apart of the present work, but 
the subject being found too extensive, is published in a separate 
volume by the American Sunday Scliool Unit.n. 



10 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

were driven by persecution from Germa- 
ny, such of them as resided ever since the 
year 1725, in Berthelsdorf (a large village 
in Upper Lusatia, belonging to Count Zin- 
zendorf,) resolved to go to Georgia, and 
the Count endeavoured to procure a free 
passage and kind reception for them, from 
the trustees of the colonies in Georgia, 
residing in London. They therefore left 
Lusatia in 1734, but on arriving in Hol- 
land, they changed their minds, and went 
to Pennsylvania. The trustees of Geor- 
gia, however, not willing to break oflf their 
engagement with Count Zinzendorf, offer- 
ed him a tract of land in Georgia, to be 
cultivated by the brethren. The offer was 
accepted, and some missionaries resolved 
to go to preach the gospel to the Creek, 
Chickasaw, and Cherokee Indians. 

The first company set out from Herrn- 
hut, in November, 1734, conducted by 
John Toeltschig and Anthony Seyffart, 
attended by the wishes and prayers of 
the whole congregation. Zinzendorf gave 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 1 1 

them written instructions — thatthey should 
submit themselves to the guidance of the 
Almighty in every situation, preserve lib- 
erty of conscience, avoid religious dis- 
putes, always to bear in mind that they 
were called to preach the gospel to the 
Indians, and to endeavour, as much as 
possible, to earn their own bread. 

In London they met with the Rev. 
Augustus Gottlieb Spangenberg, who had, 
some time previous, joined the congrega- 
tion of the Brethren. He was commis- 
sioned to treat with the trustees of Geor- 
gia, and Gen. Oglethorpe, then governor 
of that province. The worthy general 
procured all the money necessary for the 
equipment of the missionaries, and the 
trustees granted them houses in the town 
of Savannah, till they could settle and 
cultivate a district given them on the river 
Ogeeche. Spangenberg went with them, 
and they arrived in Georgia in the spring 
of 1735: their number was afterwards in- 
creased by a larger company, which fol- 



12 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

lowed in the summer, conducted by David 
Nitschman. These brethren settled in 
Savannah, and God blessed their industry 
in such a manner, that, in a short time, 
they not only procured a sufficient main- 
tenance for themselves, but even repaid 
the money advanced for them in London. 
The governnaent were very willing to pro- 
mote the.exertions of the Brethren, which 
appeared so advantageous to the state, 
and with the reputation of peaceful, quiet, 
and pious people, they began to teach and 
preach to the Aborigines, and had many 
reasons for believing that their efforts were 
successful. 

In 1737, the Rev. Peter Boehler joined 
the colony in Georgia, and Spangenberg, 
after establishing the mission in Georgia, 
and visiting the mission in St. Thomas, re- 
turned to Pennsylvania, where he remain- 
ed till 1739. Here he was first made 
acquainted with the several Indian nations, 
but especially the Iroquois, or Six Nations, 
through Conrad Weisser, a justice of the 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 13 

peace, and interpreter to the government 
of Pennsylvania. This man had been 
sent by the governor and proprietor of 
Pennsylvania, in the w^inter of 1736, to 
settle a dispute between the Iroquois and 
the Indians of Virginia. During his jour- 
ney of nearly 500 miles, he suffered great- 
ly on the road; but happening to meet 
two Indians, they bid him take courage, 
adding, that what a man suffered in body, 
cleansed his soul from sin. These words 
made an impression on Weisser, who re- 
lated them to Spangenberg, and the breth- 
ren immediately became desirous to in- 
struct these blind, yet thinking heathen in 
the truth. 

Meanwhile, the prosperous colony in 
Georgia received an unexpected check, for 
the neighbouring Spaniards commenced a 
war against the English in Georgia, and the 
brethren refused to take up arms, having, 
from the very beginning, stipulated that 
they were to bear arms on no consideration. 
They were obliged to leave their flourishing 



14 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

plantations and joined their brethren in 
Pennsylvania. Some time after this, an 
offer was made to them by the Rev. Mr, 
Whitefield, to assist him in his establish- 
ment in Georgia, and John Hagen was 
sent thither, bait his efforts proved unsuc- 
cessful. Much consternation prevailed 
about that time, for it was believed that 
the Indians had determined to kill one 
European for every Indian who had died 
of the small pox, and to clear the country 
of the whites. 

On his return to Germany, Spangenberg 
gave such an account of the deplorable 
state of the poor Indians, that many offer- 
ed to go on this mission, and one of them 
Christian Henry Rauch, was sent, in 1739, 
from Marienborn to New York, where he 
arrived July 16, 1740. He knew no- 
thing of the I-ndians, nor did he even 
know where, and in what manner he 
should seek for them. In New York, he 
unexpectedly met with the missionary 
Frederick Martin, from St. Thomas, by 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 15 

whom he was introduced to some pious 
people. These all informed him of the 
many well-meant, but vain attempts which 
had been made to christianize the Indians, 
and that they were so addicted to drunken- 
ness, that no European could dwell among 
them. 

Some days after he heard that an em- 
bassy of Indians had arrived at New York. 
He immediately went in search of them, 
and was rejoiced to find that some of them 
could speak a little of the Dutch language. 
These savages were ferocious in their man- 
ners, and very much intoxicated. Hav- 
ing waited till they were sober, he spoke 
to two of them, named Tschoop and Sha- 
basch, and asked them without ceremony, 
if they wished a teacher. On their reply- 
ing in the affirmative, brother Ranch im- 
mediately made up his mind to accompany 
them, but by some accident they missed 
him, and proceeded on their journey. 

He soon learned that they lived at She- 
komeko, an Indian town, about twenty- 



16 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

five miles east of North River, on the 
borders of Connecticut, and proceeded 
thither immediately, where he arrived 
August 16, and was received after the 
Indian manner with much kindness. 
Rauch at once addressed them: *^I come 
hither from beyond the great ocean, to 
bring the glad tidings, that God, the Cre- 
ator, so loved us, that he became man, 
lived 30 years in this world, doing good 
to all men, and at last, for our sins, was 
nailed to the cross, and died for us, that 
we might have everlasting life. On the 
third day he rose again from the dead, and 
ascended into Heaven; and though we 
cannot see him, he is always present, and 
desires only to show his love to us.^' They 
listened with attention, but he found, to his 
sorrow, that this doctrine, which was so 
newto them, excited derision, forthey at last 
openly laughed him to scorn. Not discour- 
aged, brother Rauch continued to preach to 
them, travelling from one Indian town to 
another, mocked and laughed at wherever 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 17 

he went, and suffering great hardships, 
because no one would receive him into 
his house. But his zeal and perseverance 
were, in the end, rewarded, for several 
began to listen to the truth, and Tschoop, 
the greatest drunkard amongst them, and 
afterwards Shabasch, were both convinced 
of their folly, and set about the work of 
reformation. 

About this time, some white people, 
fearing that their interests would be injur- 
ed, if the Indians became Christians, be- 
gan to stir them up against Ranch, as one 
who only sought to deceive and mislead 
them, by which they were so irritated that 
they threatened to shoot him, and he was 
obliged to seek shelter in the house, of a 
farmer of the name of Rau, to whose fa- 
mily he became school-master. Rauch still 
continued, however, to make daily visits to 
Shekomeko, though at the hazard of his 
life. False accusations were circulated 
concerning him, in all quarters. It was 
even said, that he only intended to kidnap 
B 2 



18 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

their young people to sell as slaves. Even 
Tschoop and Shabasch gave him up, and 
several white people sought an occasion ta 
beat and abuse him. This he avoided by 
great caution and mild deportment. Some 
threatened to hang him up in the woods ; 
others endeavoured to get the Indians to 
murder him in a drunken frolic. Once 
an Indian ran after him with his hatchet, 
and would doubtless have killed him, had 
he not stumbled and fallen into the water. 
Shabasch avoided him ; but Tschoop, whom 
he cordially loved, was so hostile, that he 
sought an opportunity to shoot him. 

The Indians, at last, began to admire 
his perseverance and courage, and changed 
their giinds. He frequently spent half a 
day in their cottages, ate and drank with 
them, and even lay down to sleep amongst 
them, with the greatest composure. This 
last fact made a great impression upon 
them, and especially upon Tschoop. Once, 
observing the missionary lying in his hut, 
fast asleep, he confessed that he was struck 



20 



MORAVIAN MISSIONS 




AMONG THE INDIANS. 21 

with the following thought. *<This man 
cannot be a bad man ; he fears no evil, not 
even from us, but sleeps comfortably." 
In a short time after, they were convinced 
that all the accounts spread by the whites 
against the missionary, arose from malice, 
and the confidence and friendship between 
Rauch and the Indians were restored. 
Tschoop was the first to wipe away the 
tears from the eyes of his former friend, 
and Shabasch was soon after reclaimed. 
The Indians of Shekomeko, and the neigh- 
bouring towns, attended the meetings re- 
gularly, and a very visible change was 
effected in their lives and manners. 

In June, 1741, Rauch paid a visit to the 
Brethren in Pennsylvania, whither all 
who had been obliged to leave Georgia, 
had retired, and by desire of Mr. White- 
field, settled on a piece of land pur- 
chased by him for the establishment of a 
negro school. The foundation of the 
house, which he himself had actually laid, 
was called Nazareth^ and thence the town 



2S MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

was afterwards named. The Indians here, 
threatened to murder the brethren, and 
they were compelled to leave this place, 
in 1740. After this, a respectable mer- 
chant offered to sell them a piece of land 
ten miles south of Nazareth, in the forks 
of the Delaware, and Bishop David Nitsch- 
man, arriving about that time, with some 
brethren and sisters from Europe, they 
resolved unanimously to buy the land. la 
this place they built a settlement, and call- 
ed it Bethlehem. 

About the time of Ranch's visit to 
Bethlehem, many Delaware Indians of 
those parts were not well disposed; but 
one of the brethren. Christian Froelich, 
had succeeded, by gentleness and kind 
acts, to secure their attachment to himself 
and attention to the gospel. Rauch soon 
after returned accompanied by Nitscbman, 
who laboured with him; and on his return, 
gave a very favourable account of what he 
had seen in Shekomeko. 

In the mean time Martin Mack, one of 



AMONG THE INDIANS^ 23 

the brethren from Georgia, joined them; 
and not long after several others arrived 
from Europe to assist in the mission. Ranch 
was faithfully employed, both in instruct- 
ing his host's family and in convert- 
ing the savages. At the end of the year 
1741, Count Zinzendorf came to Pennsyl- 
vania, and soon after Buettner, who had 
recently arrived from Europe, visited 
Ranch at Shekomeko, and was delighted 
at the wonderful fruits of his labours. In 
a few days Rauch and Buettner left She- 
komeko on a visit to the brethren in 
Pennsylvania, accompanied by three con- 
verted Indians, Shabasch, Seim, and Kiop. 
Tschoop, to their great regret, (being 
lame) was not able to go with them. The 
11th Feb. 1742, was an important day, for 
on it Rauch administered baptism to three 
Indians, calling them Abraham, Isaac, and 
Jacob, and some time after he had an op- 
portunity of performing the same duty for 
his dearly beloved Tschoop, whom he 
called John. In April of the same year, 



24 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

the sacrament was for the first time ob- 
served at Shekomeko. These things raised 
the astonishment of the savages, numbers 
repaired to listen to the gospel, and the 
difference between the countenances of the 
believing Indians, and the others, was re- 
marked by all who saw them. 



CHAPTER 11. 

In 1742, Count Zinzendorf, who ardent- 
ly desired the conversion of the Indians, 
undertook three different journeys amongst 
them. He started from Bethlehem with 
his daughter Benigna, eleven brethren and 
three sisters. In the course of this journey, 
the count perceiving a party of Indians on 
the opposite bank of a shallow river, im- 
mediately waded over, but was received 
by them with such marked coolness, that 
he returned with a heavy heart. An In- 
dian followed him, however, and brought 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 25 

the cheering tidings that they wished his 
whole party to cross over to them. He 
preached the gospel to them at their own 
request, and this journey was of conse- 
quence, because it tended to establish a 
better acquaintance and friendship with 
the Indians, and the Indian guide whom 
he had employed, and a great many in- 
habitants of different places became sincere 
converts. 

In August of the same year, the Count, 
with Conrad Weisser, began a second 
journey, in the course of which he met a 
deputation of the six nations, returning 
from Philadelphia, and was extremely de- 
sirous of preaching to them. They were 
very wild, and had that day shot one of 
their own people. At first they seemed 
not well disposed; but the wife of one of 
the deputation just then entering the hut 
with a child in her arms, it ran to the 
Count and began to play with him. This 
little circumstance was followed by an ex- 
change of friendship between the brethren 
c 



26 MOk AVIAN MISSIONS 




and the six nations, which was confirmed 
by presents of wampum, according to the 
Indian manner. The importance of this 
covenant was considerable, for the influ- 
ence of the nation was so great, that they 
could easily have obstructed the progress 
of the gospel. During the Count's abode 
in Shckomeko certain articles were drawn 
up, and the first regular congregation of 



AMONG THE INDIANS. -i / 

believing Indians, consisting of ten pre- 
sons, was established in North America. 

Towards the end of September the 
Count set off on his third journey, to visit 
the Indians who lived on the banks of the 
Susquehannah. Martin Mack, Conrad 
Weisser, and two Indian converts, Joshua 
and David, accompanied him. After much 
fatigue and many hardships, they arrived 
on the 2Sth of September at Shomokin, a 
populous Indian town. One day while 
they were residing here, the brethren had 
assembled to pray; but the Indians having 
just then a feast, and making a great noise, 
the Count sent word to Shikellimus one of 
their captains, that they were going to call 
upon their God; upon which they all ob- 
served profound silence. 

The Count proceeded along the river as 
far as Wajonick, then inhabited by the 
Shawanese, a depraved and cruel tribe, 
always at war with the whites, and their 
hearts seemed wholly shut against the 
truth. It appeared afterwards that these 



28 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

savages had conspired to murder him and 
his whole company. But God in mercy 
prevented it; for Weisser, who could not 
possibly know any thing of the wicked 
design, being detained in a neighbouring 
town beyond his appointed time, became 
so uneasy, that he hastened back to Wa- 
jonick, and arrived just in time to discover 
and prevent the execution of the plot. 

At the end of the year 1742, the num- 
ber of baptized Indians in Shekomeko was 
thirty-one. About this time the brethren 
became more convinced of the necessity 
of caution; for many tribes bore irrecon- 
cileable hatred to Europeans. For these 
reasons, suspicions might arise in the 
minds of the Christian magistrates, that the 
hrethren were secretly in league with the 
hostile Indians. Soon after, the worthy 
nobleman Count Zinzendorf, having done 
all in his power towards the conversion of 
the heathen in North America, returned 
to Europe in the beginning of 1743. 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 29 



CHAPTER III. 

The flourishing state of Shekomeko 
called for the assistance of more labourers, 
and several missionaries and their wives 
joined Rauch at that place. The others 
spent most of their time in visiting various 
towns, the inhabitants having repeatedly 
desired the brethren to come and instruct 
them. Some of these Indians informed 
the missionaries, that certain white people 
of the town of Freehold had offered them 
rum, if they would kill Rauch. The 
brethren always made it a rule to earn 
their own bread. They also lived and 
dressed in the Indian manner, so that in 
travelling to and fro they were taken for 
Indians. 

About this time the missionary Mack 

and his wife went on a visit to Pachgat- 

goch about 20 miles from Shekomeko, in 

Connecticut, and took up his abode, by 

c 2 



30 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

invitation, with the Captain of the town, 
whose whole family was awakened. The 
savages received him with greatjoy, and saidj 
that he and his wife must love them very 
much to travel so far, at a bad season of the 
year, to visit them. From this place, he 
went next to visit Potatik, seventy miles 
further inland. He was expressly invited by 
the captain of this place, who had formerly 
threatened to tomahawk or shoot any one 
who should dare to speak a word of Jesus 
Christ. On the day after his arrival an 
English gentleman visited the missionary, 
and kindly offered him a lodging in his 
house, representing the danger of con- 
stantly living with the Indians. But 
brother Mack answered, that having come 
hither merely on their account, he wished 
rather to stay with them. Some Indians 
overhearing this conversation, were greatly 
surprised, and told the rest, who all ex- 
pressed thanks to the missionary and his 
wife in the kindest terms; and when they 
set out on their return to Pachgatgoch, 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 31 

the inhabitants could hardly make any 
reply for weeping. Brother Mack and 
several of the other brethren continued 
frequently to visit the different places, and 
always with great satisfaction, to behold 
the advance of the truth amongst them. 

The missionaries at Shekomeko now 
began to think it was their duty no longer 
to withhold the sacrament of the com- 
munion, and it was accordingly adminis- 
tered with great solemnity to the convert- 
ed Indians for the first time. The new 
chapel at Shekomeko was now finished 
and consecrated. It was a building 30 
feet long, and 20 broad, and entirely 
covered with a smooth bark. The con- 
gregation usually met every forenoon to 
hear a discourse. Every evening a hymn 
was sung. A monthly prayer day was 
established, on which accounts were read 
of the progress of the gospel in different 
parts of the world. 

But the pious labours of the missionaries 
created many enemies, especially among 



32 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

those whites who had been accustomed to 
make the dissolute life of the Indians, and 
chiefly their love of liquor, subservient to 
their own gain. These people, were in- 
duced by a clergymen of another persua- 
sion, to join in the hostile measures which 
were taken against the brethren; and the 
consequence was that the missionaries were 
branded with the names of papists and 
traitors, and brothers Mack, Sharr, and 
Pyrlaells, were taken up, and dragged 
about the country for three days, till the 
Governor of Connecticut, hearing the case, 
honourably dismissed them. 

Meanwhile the missionary Ranch had 
visited the country about Albany, on 
the North River, and on the 23d August 
arrived at Freehold, where he found a 
number of Indians gathered around a dying 
person. As soon as the patient heard that 
a teacher had arrived from Shekomeko, 
he exhorted his countrymen to hearken to 
his words, and he bequeathed to the mis- 
sionary his hut. Brother Rauch having 



AMONG THE INDIANS. S3 

made known to them the object of his 
visit, the Indians held a council, and sent 
him word, that they had resolved to en- 
treat him to dwell with them, and instruct 
them in the knowledge of God; for that 
they had long wished to become like the 
people in Shekomeko. Much oppositioQ 
to the gospel, however, was shown by 
many at first, but some of the most savage 
became at last zealous Christians, and one 
of them publicly burnt his idols. The 
brethren continued to preach the gospel in 
all quarters with the most unremitting 
ardour, and to make themselves acquainted 
with the various Indian tongues. For all 
their labours they thought themselves 
amply rewarded by the success of the 
mission in Shekomeko; where at the close 
of the year 1743, the congregation of bap- 
tized Indians consisted of 63 persons, ex- 
clusive of those in Pachgatgoch, and a 
great number of constant hearers, some of 
whom were powerfully awakened. 



34 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 



CHAPTER IV. 



Hitherto the labour of the brethren had 
met with noopposition of any consequence, 
and in the first months of the year 1744, 
the church had rest, and was edified. But 
suddenly a persecution arose, which threa- 
tened to put an end to all their hopes and 
usefulness. Among the numberless false 
reports which were propagated concerning 
the brethren, the most dangerous was, that 
they were allied to the French in Canada, 
that they fomented the disputes which 
then took place, and intended to furnish 
the Indians with arms to fight against the 
Knglish. These falsehoods were spread 
about with so much industry, that the 
whole country was alarmed and filled with 
terror. It became the duty of the magis- 
trates to examine into the tenets and views 
of the brethren, and to ascertain what their 
real character and business were. The 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 35 

Only fault which could be found after 
much scrutiny, was, that the brethren 
were unwilling to take an oath, although 
they were perfectly willing to assent to 
every thing contained in the oath, as also 
to submit to the punishment inflicted upon 
perjured persons, if they w^ere found to act 
contrary to their assertion made by yes or 
no. In one of their examinations, they 
were called upon in open court to prove 
that they were privileged teachers. Buett^ 
ner, produced his written vocation, and 
his certificate of ordination, duly signed 
by Bishop Nitschman, adding also that the 
Protestant church of the Moravian brethren 
had been declared by the Archbishop of 
Canterbury to be an episcopal and apostolical 
church. All these evidences being reject- 
ed, Buettner said in court to the judge, 
<* Well, sir, since nothing will suffice, we 
submit, and you have power to dictate our 
punishment. We are subject to the magis- 
trates, and can not oppose them, nor would 
we if we could. We rather choose patiently 



36 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

to suiTer." This lutdress nppeai e^"! to have 
some good effi-ct, for the}- were di.smirised 
for that time by the justice Mr. Beckinan, 
and even invited by the latter to dinner; 
but they were desired to appear again at 
Pikipsi, (now Poughkeepsie,) in the Oc- 
tober following, by order of the Governor 
of New York. 

Persecution and prejudice continued to 
run very strong against them. They w^ere 
detained in town to await the final decision 
of the Governor; and at last when he dis- 
missed them, with a command, that on 
their return home they should live in such 
a manner that no suspicions should arise, 
the secretary was obliged to give them a 
written certificate of acquittal, to secure 
them from the violence of the mob. 

It now appeared very plain to every 
candid observer, that the accusations against 
the brethren arose either from misconcep- 
tion or malice. But the enmity of their 
adversaries was not extinguished. They 
adopted other measures, and now endea- 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 37 

voured to make them take oaths, or to 
leave the country altogether. This scheme 
succeeded. They obtained an act of as- 
sembly in New York, dated October, by 
which all suspicious persons were enjoined 
to take the oath of allegiance, and in case 
of refusal, to be expelled the province. 
Another act positively forbade the brethren 
to instruct the Indians. On the 15th 
December, the sheriff and three justices of 
the peace arrived at Shekomeko to enforce 
these acts, and summoned the brethren 
again to Poughkeepsie; where the acts 
were read to Ranch and Mack, Buettner 
being too ill to attend. The latter wrote 
to Bethlehem, " We are either to depart, 
or to incur a heavy penalty. They threaten 
to seize upon all we possess. We have 
but little, and if they take away that 
little, then we shall even yet have as 
much left as our Lord had, when on 
earth." Amidst these heavy trials the 
brethren adhered to the scriptural advice, 



38 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

quietly to wait for the salvation of the <|! 
Lord. 

Meanwhile Bishop Spangenberg, to i 
whom the affairs of the brethren in NortK | 
Americahadbeenentru^ted, arrived in New 
York. His first step was to visit the per- 
secuted congregation at Shekomeko, where 
he found much reason to rejoice at the 
course of the church, and the declarations 
of the believing Indians. Two of the 
baptized Indians, who had deviated, were 
about this time restored. Buettner wrote 
thus of one of them to Spangenberg, " My 
heart followed Jonathan wherever he 
went.'^ It being resolved to go in pursuit 
of him, the good Ranch set out upon this 
errand. When Jonathan perceived him 
coming, he was frightened, and stood like 
one thunder-struck. Ranch accosted him 
affectionately, offered forgiveness and 
peace, and entreated him to return. The 
heart of Jonathan was touched. '^ Are 
you come," said he with emotion, "merely 
to seek me ? Have you nothing else to do 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 39 

here? Does Buettner remember me still?" 
Like a lost sheep, the reclaimed Indian 
returned to the fold. Buettner ran to meet 
him, and received him as the father re- 
ceived his prodigal son. 



CHAPTER V. 

The faithful Buettner, whose constitu- 
tion was broken by hardships, and his 
mind weighed down by the persecutions 
and afflictions of the church, was about 
this time removed to a better world. On 
his death bed he exhorted the sorrowing 
Indians, who stood by his side, to continue 
faithful to the end; he desired them to sing 
^ hymn, during which he gently breathed 
his last. Tiie Indians wept over him as 
children over a beloved parent. His re- 
mains were interred with great solemnity 
at the burial ground at Shekomeko, and 
an affectionate memorial was inscribed 
upon his tomb-stone. 



40 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

The death of Buettner and the departure^ 
of the other missionaries for Bethlehem, 
involved the congregation at Shekomeko ' 
in gloom; but the arm of persecution was 
still uplifted. David Zeisbergcr, who had 
been from boyhood devoted to the cause 
of the heathen, was travelling with the 
missionary Frederick Post, into the country 
of the Iroquois, in order to become better 
acquainted with the language. The ene- 
mies of the mission soon accused them of 
treacherous views, and accordingly they 
were arrested in Albany, and after much 
abuse, brought to New York, and confined 
in prison. In this sad condition, they 
still found some friends, who visited and 
relieved them. After repeated examina- 
tions they were found innocent of every 
charge, and dismissed, having been seven 
weeks in their confinement. 

When Mack, with several of the sisters, 
and some small children, returned from 
Shekomeko to Bethlehem, they were ar- 
rested on their route and detained by the 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 11 

enraged justices, as a company of traitors, 
and even after they were set at liberty by 
the providential arrival of Colonel Loewen- 
stein, they were insulted by the mob with 
curses and reproaches, and had to suffer 
much in the open street, from the cold and 
rain, before they were permitted to pro- 
ceed on their journey. 

In the April following, two persons, a 
man and his wife, were baptized in Beth- 
lehem, and called Gottleib and Mary. 
They were the first fruits of the missionary 
labours among the Delaware nation. Being 
both of the royal family, their high-born 
relations were greatly displeased, and as 
they could not persuade them to return, 
determined to take them away by force. 
Accordingly thirty-six persons, among 
whom were several young warriors, came 
to Bethlehem with this view; but being 
kindly treated, and plentifully served with 
meat and drink, Gottleib and Mary partak- 
ing also of their repast, their minds were 
softened, and when they opened their 
d2 



42 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

commission and told them that they had 
heard they had become slaves to the 
whites, Gotlleib seized the occasion to 
exhort them with great energy. Some 
time after he was entreated by a message 
to come and instruct his people, and had 
soon the joy to see his own brother bap- 
tized, and called Joachim. 

A synod being called at Bethlehem this 
year, the Indian congregation at She- 
komeko were desired to send a deputy. 
Nothing could be a stronger proof of the 
sincerity of the change wrought amongst 
them, than their wish to have their chil- 
dren educated at Bethlehem. For the 
love of the Indians towards their children 
is so excessively strong, that they cannot 
bear to have them out of their sight; but 
now, they besought the brethren to take 
their offspring, and educate them in the 
fear of the Lord. 

In consequence of the numerous ob- 
stacles to all Christian communication with 
the] congregation at Shekomeko, it was 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 43 

resolved to propose that the Indians 
there should remove to some eligible spot 
in Pennsylvania. The plan was first to 
place them near Bethlehem, and then to 
remove them to Wajomick, or Wyoming, 
on the Susquehannah. For this purpose 
Zeisberger, Weisser and another set out 
for Onondago, where the great council fire 
of the Iroquois, (to whom the country 
about Wajomick belonged,) was kept. 
They were well received by the Iroquois, 
who renewed the covenant they had made 
with Count Zinzendorf, and received free 
permission to remove the congregation. 

The Indians at Shekomeko, however, 
did not remove till an event happened, by 
which they were compelled to do so. The 
white people, at last, came to the resolu- 
tion, that they would drive the believing 
Indians away by main force, under pre- 
tence that the ground belonged to other 
people. They accordingly seized upon 
the land, appointed a watch to prevent all 
visits from Bethlehem, whither some of 



^"^ MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

the emigrants had retired, and thus reduced 
the congregation of Shekomeko to a situa- 
tion truly distressing. 



CHAPTER VI. 

In the beginning of this year, 1746, 
Bishop Cammerhof came from Europe to 
assist Spangenberg, and they both exerted J 
themselves for the relief of Shekomeko. *' 
His excellency George Thomas, governor 
of Pennsylvania, had given orders that all!^ 
the Christian Indians who took refuge in 
that state, should be protected. Eut no 
persuasions could bring them to fall in 
with the plan for their settlement at Wa- 
jomick. Their persecutions soon after 
were so severe, that many fled from She- 
komeko to save their lives, and forty-four 
persons accepted the invitation from tlic 
brethren, and built cottages near Bethle- 
Iiem. This small settlement, called Fried- 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 45 

enshuetten, was only a temporary con- 
venience, and not long after a tract of land 
was purchased near the junction of the 
rivers Mahony and Lehigh, beyond the 
Blue Mountains, about 30 miles from 
Bethlehem, and the same distance from 
Wajomick. Here the missionary Mack, 
and some Indian assistants, marked out a 
new town, which they called Gnaden- 
huetten, or Tents of Grace, whither many 
of the Indians from Shekomeko and Pach- 
gatgoch repaired. 

•Soon after, Shekomeko was almost ut- 
terly forsaken, and the converts dispersed 
in different places. Gnadenhuetten now 
became a very pleasant and regular town. 
The church stood in the valley, on one 
side, the Indian houses forming a crescent 
upon a rising ground, and on the other 
was the house of the missionary, and 
the burying ground. Rauch and Mack 
were the first who resided here, but some 
of the brethren still occasionally visited 
the old settlements, being anxious to pre- 



46 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

vent the spark of truth, yet glimmering 
in those places, from being entirely extin^' 
guished. 

The brethren perceiving, that, notwith- 
standing the rage of their enemies, God 
blessed their labours, their desire to spread 
the gospel daily increased. In the fore- 
going year, Mack and his wife went to 
Shomokin, (now called Sunbury,) a town 
belonging to the Iroquois. Here he la- 
boured faithfully for some months, with 
little success, frequently an eye-witness of 
horrid abominations, and several times -in 
danger of being murdered by drunken 
Indians. His return to Bethlehem was 
also attended by many difficulties, espe- 
cially to his wife, who was in delicate 
health, for they were oftentimes obliged to 
creep up the steep moyntains upon their 
hands and feet. 

Soon after this, that dreadful and fatal 
disease, the small-pox, broke out among 
the Indians, first at Bethlehem, and then 
at Gnadenhuetten, and eighteen persons 



AMONG THB INDIANS. 47 

died, among whom were several useful 
. and sincerely lamented converts. Of this 
t number was the faithful John, whose In- 
'" dian name, the reader will recollect, was 
Tschoop. He died a sincere Christian. 
.Towards the close of this year. Bishop 
Spangenberg and other brethren paid a 
visit to Wajomick, where they were receiv- 
ed with uncommon cordiality. 

The internal regulations of Gnaden- 
huetten being all established, the congre- 
gation continued almost uninterrupted, in 
a pleasing and regular course till 1754. 
In the mean time, the brethren from Beth- 
lehem and Gnadenhuetten continued to 
visit the different iowns. Mack and his 
wife went to superintend the mission at 
Shomokin, where they found much cause 
to lament the wicked and vile practices of 
the inhabitants. 

In January, 174S, Bishop Cammerhof 
and brother Powel visited Shomokin. 
They suffered so much on this journey, 
from the quantity of ice, water and snow, 



48 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

that they were frequently in danger, and? 
their journal cannot be read without as- 
tonishment ; but the Lord helped theni* 
through all difficulties. The chief object? 
of this journey was to make some regula- 
tions, by which the gospel might be more/, 
easily propagated among the Iroquois/* 
Shomokin being a central town. The,, 
brethren, however, were assailed by many 
troubles. Their house was frequently in- 
jured by violent storms of thunder and 
rain ; sometimes the fruits of the earth* 
were destroyed by hail; earthquakes shook 
their dwellings, and the fury of drunken 
Indians at times menaced their lives. They 
were also alarmed by parties of warriors ! 
of different nations, then at war with the • 
Catawas, passing to and fro with prison- 
ers, whom they treated with shocking 
cruelty. The brethren, because they were 
whites, -were often in danger of being 
murdered in their riots. 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 49 



CHAPTER VII. 

The years 174S and 1749 were distin- 
guished by the return of many lost sheep, 
and a particular blessing followed Bishop 
Johannes Von Watteville, who visited 
North America in September, 1748, and 
preached the gospel at the different settle- 
ments. He also, in the course of his 
journeyings, renewed the covenant made 
between Shikellimus, chief of the Iroquois, 
and Count Zinzendorf, of which we have 
already made mention. The former sent 
a very kind message to the Count, who, 
as has been said, had long since returned 
to Europe. Watteville, with several others 
then visited Shekomeko, and it was truly 
a melancholy spectacle. They found every 
thing destroyed, but the burying ground. 
A few faithful Christians were still there, 
but the greater number had backslidden. 
The missionaries were not discouraged. 

£ 



50 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

They did all that lay in their power to 
re-assure the penitent and reclaim the wan- 
derers. Soon after they went to the In- 
dian town of Meniolagomeka, (situated in 
what is now called Luzerne county, near 
the Susquehannah,) where, from that time, 
a regular establishment of Christian In- 
dians was formed. 

In May, many of the Indians of Gna- 
denhuetten, went to Bethlehem, to see 
three Christian Greenlanders, who were 
there. A boy and girl, also, from Berbice, 
in South America, were at Bethlehem, 
60 that the Brethren had the joy to behold 
heathen of three different nations and 
languages, assembled under their fostering 
care. But the town of Gnadenhuetten 
was the object of admiration to the whole 
country, and the increasing number of its 
inhabitants -afforded a convincing proof of 
the power of the gospel to change the 
hearts of men. In the year 1749, several 
persons died, among whom was Shikelli- 
mus, the friend of Zinzendorf, and head 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 61 

chief of all the Iroquois Indians. Bro- 
ther Zeisberger attended him in his last 
moments, which were distinguished by- 
faith and hope. 

The most remarkable occurrence in the 
year 1750, was the journey of Cammerhof 
and Zeisberger to Onondago, the chief 
town of the Iroquois, for which purpose 
they had previously obtained a passport 
from the governor of Pennsylvania. They 
were well received by the Nantikoke tribe, 
and were conducted by an Iroquois guide, 
to Tioga, about one hundred and fifty 
miles up the Susquehannah, the inhabitants 
of which were surprised to find that the 
brethren were acquainted with the head 
chiefs of the Six Nations. They reached 
Onondago on the 19th of June, and were 
received with great cordiality. A coun- 
cil was called, consisting of twenty-six 
venerable Indians, and after much consul- 
tation and many ceremonies, a covenant 
was entered into, by which the brethren 
and Iroquois became brothers, and two 



53 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

missionaries were to live either in Onon- 
dago, or some other town, that they might 
learn the language and preach the gospel. 
They thanked God for the success of their 
application, and after having travelled 
about 1600 miles, arrived on the 17th 
August at Bethlehem. 

In 1757, a very severe loss was suffered 
by the death of the excellent Bishop Cam- 
merhof, who was universally beloved. 
There was so much sweetness and benevo- 
lence in his character, that the wildest 
savages held him in great esteem. It is 
related that on one occasion an Indian had 
become so exasperated against him for re- 
proving his wickedness, that he followed 
him into the woods, either to beat him 
violently or put him to death; when over- 
taking him, he found him so mild and 
friendly, that he repented of his design, 
listened to the admonitions of the bishop, 
and was, not long after, baptized by the 
very man whom he had purposed to des- 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 



troy. He died deeply lamented, and his 
grave was watered by many tears. 



CHAPTER Vni. 

Bishop Spangenberg, who had gone 
back to Europe, returned, to the great joy 
of all, in 1752, and resumed his labours at 
Gnadenhuetten. He had known this con- 
gregation from its infancy, was esteemed 
as a father, and knew how to guide its 
members with that patience, wisdom, and 
gentle restraint, best adapted to their 
character and circumstances. 

A very large deputation from the Nan- 
tikoke and Shawanese nations, consisting 
of 107 persons, arrived at Gnadenhuetten 
on the 15th July, for the purpose of es- 
tablishing a covenant with the brethren. 
Of this important transaction, notice was 
immediately sent to the government 
in Philadelphia. This was the more ne- 
E 2 



.'54 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

ccssary, as calumniating reports had been 
circulated in the pubhc papers, concerning 
the late Bishop Cammerliof's visit to 
Onondago. Bishop Spangenberg waited 
upon the governor himself, and gave a full 
and satisfactory explanation; showing in 
•the most unequivocal manner, that the 
brethren were, from every public and pri- 
vate motive, attached to the government. 
This declaration had the desired effect. 

In July 1751, Zeisbcr^rcr and another 
set out for Onondago, agreeably to the 
treaty by which the great council permitted 
two of the brethren to reside and learn the 
language. They were treated with the 
utmost kindness, and every facility grant- 
ed tlicm of accomplishing their plans. 

Agreeably to a promise made by the 
former deputation, another deputation of 
Nantikokes and Shawanese arrived at 
Bethlehem in March 1753. But these 
frequent visits were found to have a bad 
effect, and really did more harm than good 
to the inhabitants of Gnadcnhucttcn. Not 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 55 

only the people at large became fond of 
forming alliances, but even some of the In- 
dian brethren began to think of their hea- 
thenish customs. Some even forsook the 
congregation, but it was observed that they 
did not become enemies, but retained a sin- 
cere love for the brethren. A number of 
these were afterwards brought back. But 
the severest troubles arose from a proposal 
which had been made by the deputation, 
to transplant the congregation to Wajo- 
mick. The fact is, the savages had de- 
termined to join the French against the 
English, and they wished first to secure a 
retreat for their countrymen, the Indians 
of Gnadenhuetten, that they might the 
more easily fall upon the whites. With 
this view the Iroquois had called the 
Nantikokes from Wajomick into their 
neighbourhood, to make room for the 
Christian Indians. They supposed this 
step would not be disagreeable to the 
brethren, since the believing Indians of 
Shekomeko had, nine years ago, obtained 



56 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

leave from the great council at Onondago, 
by means of a treaty with Bishop Span- 
genberg, to move to Wajomick. The 
consequence was, that many of the in- 
habitants of Gnadenhuetten departed, being 
led away by Abraham and Gideon, who 
were the most active in promoting this 
affair. The faith of the latter, formerly 
called Tadeuskund, had always been un- 
steady; being like a reed shaken by the 
wind. He had been nominated by the 
Delawares as their chief. 

The loss to Gnadenhuetten, however, 
was soon after supplied by the believing 
Indians of Meniolagomekah, who had 
been banished thence by the proprietor, 
and to their inexpressible joy were re- 
ceived at Gnadenhuetten. Soon after, 
from the impoverished state of the soil, 
and other circumstances, it became neces- 
sary for the inhabitants to remove to the 
opposite side of the Lehigh, in which la- 
bour, they were assisted by the brethren 
of Nazareth and Bethlehem. Unanimity 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 57 

and diligence contributed so much to the 
progress of this work, that the first twenty- 
houses were inhabited by the 4th, and the 
foundation stone of the new chapel laid on 
the 11th of June. The dwellings were 
soon after completed, and proper regula- 
tions made. They were placed in such 
order, that the Delawares occupied one 
side and the Mohikans the other. The 
old land on the opposite side of the river, 
still continued to be cultivated by the 
brethren. 

Towards the end of June, brother Mack 
feeling a strong impulse, visted the emi- 
grants at Wajomick. To accomplish this 
visit, owing to the bad season of the 
year, he was obliged to encounter many 
dangers. But he felt himself rewarded 
by finding them in a better state than he 
expected, and anxiously desirous for a 
missionary to come and reside amongst 
them. 

This year, 1754, Zeisberger returned to 
his post at Onondago, and a counciLheld 



56 MORAVIAN MISSION^ 

soon after his arrival deserves notice. 
They were called upon to weigh the 
causes of the diminution of the number of 
Indians, which was alleged by the Nan- 
tikokes, who brought forward the subject, 
to proceed entirely from drunkenness, and 
it was proposed not to touch a drop of rum 
for four years. But the proposal was never 
carried into effect, and Zeisberger and his 
companion were so annoyed by their 
drunken frolics, that they obtained leave 
to build a small house for their private 
use. The brethren earned their livelihood 
by various occupations, though they often 
suffered from want, and the Indians could 
not help expressing their astonishment, 
that they should submit to live in poverty 
merely out of love to them. 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 59 

CHAPTER IX. 

In the beginning of 1755, the inhabi- 
tants of Gnadenhuetten were involved in 
deep troubles. They received a curious 
message from Paxnous, an old Shawanese 
chief, and Tadeuskund, the import of 
which w^as, that if the believing Indians 
did not remove to Wajomick, the Iroquois 
would clean their ears with red hot iron. 
Meanwhile the brethren ascertained that 
the removal of the Indians to Wajomick, 
was only the plan of the Oneida tribe, 
with some Delawares and Mohikans, and 
falsely attributed to the Iroquois in general. 
While they were still in great perplexity, 
not knowing what course to take, they 
received another message, commanding 
in a severe tone, the baptized of Gnaden- 
huetten for the last time, to go to Wajo- 
mick. Upon this, the greater portion de- 
termined to abide and place their reliance 
on the Lord. 



60 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

A period of rest ensued, during which 
several of the brethren took occasion to 
visit different settlements. At this time 
all was peace at Gnadenhuetten; but sud-- 
denly the scene changed. A cruel Indian 
war, occasioned by the contest between 
the English and French, burst into flame, 
carrying horror and desolation throughout 
the country. About five miles from Sho- 
mokin, the French Indians murdered four- 
teen white people and burned their dwell- 
ings. Every day disclosed new scenes of 
barbarity, and all Pennsylvania was in 
uproar and consternation. Notwithstand- 
ing these appalling dangers, the brethren 
made a covenant together, to remain un- 
daunted in the place allotted them by Pro- 
vidence. 

But heaven had ordained an awful visi- 
tation. On a sudden the mission house, 
on the Mahony, which stood where Gna- 
denhuetten was before its removal across 
the river, and which at that very time 
was inhabited by a number of the brethren. 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 



61 



was, late in the evening of the 24th No- 
vember, attacked by the French Indians, 
burned, and eleven of the inmates butch- 
ered. The family were at supper, when 




.i^*^*";^*^ 

,^- 



hearing a great noise of the dogs barking, 
brother Senseman went to the back door 
to see what was the matter. On the report 

F 



62 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

of a gun, several ran to open the doori 
The Indians stood with their pieces point-' 
ed, and as soon as the door opened fired, 
by which several were wounded, and 
Martin Nitschman killed. His wife was 
wounded, but fled with many others to the 
garret, whither the infuriated savages pur- 
sued them, but not being able to break 
open the door, they set fire to the house. 
In the despair, terror and confusion, a few 
providentially escaped, by leaping froni 
the roof and windows, and flying to 
some distance. The rest were all burnt 
alive. Of those who thus perished, seven 
were brethren and four sisters. This me- 
lancholy event, however, proved the sav- 
ing of the congregation of Gnadenhuetten 
on the other side; for they heard the 
tumult, and saw the flames, and were 
enabled to make their escape. 

On the 25th of November, at 3 o'clock 
in the morning, Zeisberger arrived at 
Bethlehem, and related to the whole con- 
gregation the dreadful calamity, which 
was listened to with deep affliction, but at 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 63 

the same time mingled with resignation to 
the will of God. Indeed, the brethren 
thought they could trace the special hand 
of a kind providence in this disastrous 
event, which, in permitting one evil had 
graciously averted a much greater. The 
enemies of the gospel and of the brethren 
had been at work, and by cunning and 
malicious reports, had propagated a strong 
belief that the brethren were really con- 
nected with the French and the hostile 
Indians. So strong was this belief that 
the public papers were filled with these 
falsehoods, and the brethren never appear- 
ed in any part of the country except at the 
hazard of their lives. In the Jerseys, a 
public declaration was made with beat of 
drum, that Bethlehem should be destroy- 
ed, and the most dreadful threats added, 
that in Bethlehem, Gnadenhuetten, and 
other places, a carnage should be made, 
such as had never before been heard of in 
North America. But after the massacre 
of the brethren became generally known, 
the eyes of the people began to be opened. 



64 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

and hundreds of persons visited the settle- 
ment and saw the mangled and burnt j 
corpses of the brethren and sisters. Thus I 
their innocence and the untruth of the re- 
ports which were circulated against them, 
were made manifest to all, and the wisdom '• 
of heaven saw fit to adopt this plan, though* 
painful, to save his people from the more 
extensive destruction with which they 
were threatened. 

The situation of the brethren had now 
become very critical. The savages in-/ 
sisted upon their taking up arms against 
the English, threatening to murder them 
in case of refusal. Moreover, a set of 
fanatics sprung up, who demanded the 
total extirpation of the Indian tribes, lest 
God's vengeance should fall upon the 
Christians for not destroying them, as the 
Israelites by his command had destroyed 
the Canaanites of old. These people were 
greatly exasperated against Bethlehem, on 
account of the protection and assistance 
given to a race of beings, deemed by them 
accursed. But the brethren continued to 



AMONG THE INDIANS. ^S 

put their trust in God, who they knew 
was able to deliver them from all their 
enemies, and their courage in remaining 
in their settlements proved a comfort and 
protection to the neighbours. If they fled, 
the whole country to Philadelphia would 
have been exposed to the murderous 
savages. The brethren, however, ne- 
glected nothing which was necessary to 
their safety and defence; hundreds of per- 
sons took refuge within their intrench- 
ments, and government considered their 
settlements as a bulwark for the defence of 
the country. The savages continued to 
lay waste the neighbourhood, and the 
flames from plundered villages in the vi- 
cinity could often be distinctly seen at 
Bethlehem. The wretches even approach- 
ed very near the place, lurking about 
with torches, and trying to set fire to the 
thatched roofs, by shooting wadding on 
fire upon them. Once, even in the day 
time, a party of them came to attack a 
large field, in which about forty sisters 
F 2 



C}C) MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

were picking flax, whom they intended to 
carry oil' as jirisoncrs. But i)crcciving a 
strong guard of Indian hrctlircn with their 
guns ready, they retreated, while the con- 
gregation thanked God that tliey had not 
been obliged to shed the blood of their 
enemies, which they certainly must liavc 
done, liad they attacked the women and 
children. Not long afterwards, the greater 
part of the savages, at the instance of one 
of their chiefs, who was friendly to the 
brethren, returned home, and the few who 
remained, not thinking themselves a match 
for the guard, dispersed. 



CHAPTER X. 

At this period, tlie Indian congregation 
had rest, but as a reward was oflbred by 
the English for every Delaware scalp, and 
the governor of Pennsylvania had warned 
the Christian Indians of the danger they 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 67 

would incur by straying far from home, 
they could no longer supply themselves 
with any food by hunting. 

The savages continued their depreda- 
tions, and the governor of Pennsylvania 
published a proclamation, by which he 
declared war against all Indian nations 
who should persist in liostilities, inviting 
all those who would lay down their 
hatchets, to meet for the purpose of con- 
cluding a treaty of peace. The confidence 
placed in the brethren was so great, that 
both English and Indians wished to hold 
the congress at Bethlehem; but at the ear- 
nest entreaty of the brethren, who knew 
too well the evil consequences of these 
riotous assemblages, the place of meeting 
was appointed at Easton. On their jour- 
ney thither, the captain of the savages, 
who had attacked and murdered the bre- 
thren on the Mahony, was killed by 
Tadeuskund, in a violent dispute. No 
final agreement was made at Easton, and 
many roving parties of the very Indians 



68 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

who had attended the congress, and been 
treated with kindness, continued to com- 
mit murders whenever they got a good 
opportunity. 

A large number of Christian Indians had' 
now been residing a long time at Bethle- 
hem as guests, and it was thought expe- 
dient to make a new settlement, and the 
government giving them land for the pur- 
pose about a mile from Bethlehem, the 
first house was built on the 10th of June, 
1757, and the place was called Nain. The 
troubles of war, however, greatly impeded 
the progress of the work, and it was not till 
the following October that their chapel was 
consecrated, to the great joy of the believ- 
ing Indians. The same regulations were 
made at Nain, as before at Gnadenhuctten. 

The French having burnt fort Duquesne, 
abandoned the place, and the English oc- 
cupied it, it forming now the site of the 
flourishing town of Pittsburg. After this 
the whole scene of the war changed, and 
from the beginning of 1759, neither Penn- 



AMONG THE INDIANS. GO 

sylvania nor the neighbouring provinces 
were disturbed by the Indians. This 
caused universal joy in all the settlements, 
and public thanks and praises were offered 
up to Almighty God, by all the brethren. 

The number of inhabitants at Nain in- 
creased so fast, by the return of many who 
had strayed during the troubles, that it 
became necessary to divide the congrega- 
tion. With tliis view, 1400 acres of land 
were purchased, behind the Blue Moun- 
tains, where a new settlement was begun, 
and called Wechquetank. The town was 
completed on the 2Gth of June, 1760. 
Bishop Spangenberg went tliither fre- 
quently, and a continual intercourse was 
kept up between this place and Nain. 

In 1701, a report of war was again cir- 
culated, which filled the whole country 
with fear and dread. Tadeuskund also, 
returning from Philadelphia, brought the 
sad news that war would soon break out 
again, and that the Indians ascribed it 
solely to the whites, and their rum trade. 



70 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

However, the troubles ceased for the pre- 
sent, and peace and order were restored. 
Soon after a baptized Indian of the name 
of Augustus, and his wife Augustina, w^ho 
had both been seduced by Tadeuskund, 
the brother-in-law of Augustus, visited 
Nain, confessed their errors, and were re- 
admitted into fellowship with the congre- 
gation. 

In the year 1762, Bishop Spangenberg 
returned to Europe. The pain the Indian 
congregation felt, at taking leave of this 
beloved and respected servant of the Lord, 
was very great. From the year 1736, 
God had blessed his labours in North 
America. 

Nothing could be done as yet to serve 
those baptized Indians with the gospel, 
who had retired to the Ohio. Brother 
Post chose to live about 100 miles beyond 
Pittsburg, in Tuscarora town, intending 
to begin a mission among the Indians 
there. The brethren wished him all suc- 
cess, and upon his sending to Bethlehem 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 71 

for an assistant, who might have an op- 
portunity of learning the Delaware lan- 
guage, brother John Heckewelder offered 
to go thither, and soon made good progress. 
The mission, however, failed. 



CHAPTER Xr. 

At the commencement of this year, 
1763, all was peace and prosperity, and 
the congregations at Nain and Wechque- 
tank were in a most flourishing state. 
Nothing occurred to damp the joy of the 
brethren, except the death of Tadeuskund, 
who was burnt in his house at Wajomick, 
without giving any proof of repentance. 
In May, Zeisberger went up the Susque- 
hannah as far Machwihilusing, or Wya- 
lusing, where an awakening had taken 
place. 

But in the midstof all this joy, Zeisber- 
ger was unexpectedly called to Bethlehem. 



72 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

The flame of war had again broke forth. 
Several hundred white people had been 
murdered by the Indians near the lakes 
and on the Ohio. They had begun to make 
incursions into Pennsylvania. The fanatics 
of whom we have already spoken, revived 
their furious doctrines, and declared that 
all Indians, without exception, should be 
put to the sword. At Nain and Wechque- 
tank the alarm was so great, that they 
humbly entreated the governor of Penn- 
sylvania to extend his protection. Ac- 
cordingly some companies of soldiers, 
dressed like Indian warriors, were sent to 
protect the frontiers, and went to the 
neighbourhood of Nain and Wechquetank. 
But it so happened, that what promised to 
ensure their safety, proved a source of in- 
expressible distress. Four strange Indians ' 
from the Ohio, pretending to wish to hear 
the gospel, visited the congregation. They 
proved afterwards to belong to a band of 
murderers, who were meditating an attack 
upon the country, but were desirous of 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 73 

first removing their friends and relations 
from Wechquetank. Finding so many sol- 
diers stationed about, they were obliged to 
retreat, but not without leaving many 
suspicions as to the nature of their cor- 
respondence. In August, an Indian named 
Zachary, and his wife, were put to death by 
some of the soldiers, who, naturally sup- 
posing that his four brothers living in 
Wechquetank, would revenge his death, 
became still more uneasy with regard to 
all the inhabitants of that place. A party 
of Irishmen had declared in a rage, that if 
a single white person should be murdered 
in the neighbourhood, the whole Irish set- 
tlement would rise in arms and kill all the 
inhabitants of Wechquetank. 

While things were in this dreadful state, 
the savage Indians actually attacked an 
Irish settlement, eight miles from Bethle- 
hem, and killed several persons. This 
melancholy event filled the congregations 
of Nain and Wechquetank, and their mis- 
sionaries, with great consternation; both 



74 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

the savages and whites being now their 
enemies. On the same clay a party of out- 
rageous Irish freebooters, came to the latter 
place, fully intending to murder all the 
Indians there, and were with the greatest 
difficulty prevented from executing their 
horrid purpose. 

No time was now to be lost. To post- 
pone flight would have been folly, and to 
assist their escape wagons were sent to 
them from Nazareth, where, after many 
dangers, from which the protecting hand 
of God alone delivered them, they arrived 
in safety. 

In the mean time Nain was besieged on 
all sides. The savages killed most of the 
New England people living in Wajomick, 
or Wyoming. This increased the fury of 
the white people against the Indians in 
general, and the Christian Indians of Nain 
could no longer move from their settlement 
without imminent peril. In this awful 
situation, they held out for four weeks, 
adopting every measure necessary for their 



1 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 75 

security, yet not knowing at what moment 
to look for an attack, and ignorant whether 
it would first proceed from the exasperated 
white people, or the savage Indians, who 
were equally their enemies. 

On the 19th of Octoher, a harmless In- 
dian, of the name of Renatus, was seized 
as the murderer of one of the Irish settlers, 
and his person being even sworn to by the 
widow, he was dragged to Philadelphia 
and imprisoned. This report, which was 
founded in falsehood, spread far and wide, 
and the rage of the whites rose to such a 
pitch, that an express arrived from Phila- 
delphia, bringing an order, that all the 
baptized Indians of Nain and Wechque- 
tank should be brought to the city for pro- 
tection from the authorities. 

It was an affecting sisrht to behold these 
poor persecuted people, proceeding pa- 
tiently upon this sad pilgrimage, and not 
knowiiiji what fate mi";ht await them. The 
sick, the aged, and the little children were 
conve3''ed in wagons, and the rest on foot. 



76 ' MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

The roads were heavy from rain. Some 
were exhausted from fatigue. And they 
were compelled to suflfer the malice of the 
white people along their route, who loaded 
them with abuse and cursing. When they 
at length reached the barracks in Phila- 
delphia, where, by order of government 
they were to be lodged, the soldiers for- 
cibly refused them admittance, they were 
detained in the street for five hours, and 
the mob which gathered round them re- 
viled them, charging them with all the 
outrages committed by the savages, and 
threatened to kill them on the spot; which 
they certainly would have done, had the 
Indians returned evil for evil. 

To extricate them from the fury of the 
misguided mob, it was resolved to conduct 
them from Philadelphia to some place of 
safety. As they passed through the streets, 
thousands followed like ravenous wolves 
prowling around sheep, till they reached 
Province Island, about six miles below the 
city, where with the assistance of their 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 77 

missionaries, they settled as well as cir- 
cumstances would permit. 

While the persecuted congregation were 
returning thanks to the Almighty for their 
safety, a deed of horror was perpetrated in 
the village of Conestoga by a party of fifty- 
seven monsters from the town of Paxton. 
These wretches are commonly known by 
the name of the "Paxton boys." They 
attacked a party of inoffensive Indians, 
who had long lived quietly among the 
white people, and butchered fourteen of 
them. The rest fled to Lancaster, where 
the magistrates protected, and lodged them 
in the work house, a strong building and 
well secured. They were, however, fol- 
lowed by the murderers, who marched 
into the town at noon day, broke into the 
workhouse, and though the Indians begged 
their lives on their knees, yet these barba- 
rians cruelly murdered them all, throwing 
their mangled bodies into the street. They 
then departed with a dreadful shout of 
victory, threatening that the Indians in 
c;2 



78 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

Province Island should share the same 
fate. 

Proclamations were issued against these 
outrages, but the people generally were so 
excited that little respect was shown to 
the government. Some of the ringlead- 
ers even appeared before the governor's 
door, and openly bade him defiance. The 
rioters became more numerous and daring, 
and both in Paxton and other parts of the 
county of Lancaster, many hundred per- 
sons agreed to go to Philadelphia, and 
not to rest till all the Indians taken under 
the protection of government were mas- 
sacred. 



^ 



CHAPTER XII. 

The government now resolved to send 
the persecuted Indians to the English 
army by the way of New York. Prepara- 
tions were made, and a party of seventy 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 79 

Highlanders, under Captain Robertson, 
appointed for their escort. In all places, 
but especially in the towns through which 
their path lay, the mob insulted the In- 
dians; but they arrived safely at Amboy, 
where two sloops were ready to convey 
them to New York. They were just 
ready to go on board on 11th of January, 
1764, when strict orders came from New 
York, forbidding a single Indian to put his 
foot on their territories. Information was 
immediately sent to Philadelphia of their 
situation, and a new guard of 170 men 
from General Gage's army was sent to 
convey them back. During their route 
they suffered dreadfully from cold, for it 
was the depth of winter. Near New 
Brunswick they were in great danger in 
passing over the ice, and the infirm and 
aged were obliged to creep over the frozen 
rivers upon their hands and feet. At last 
they arrived in Philadelphia, and were 
lodged in the barracks. 

Large bodies of rioters now marched 



so MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

towards the city, declaring they would 
not rest till all the Indians were delivered, 
up to them. The magistrates resolved to 
repel force by force. The guard was 
doubled, the cannon planted, and the ci- 
tizens, among whom were even some 
young Quakers, took up arms to defend 
the unhappy Indians. On the 4th February, 
intelligence was received of the approach 
of the rioters. The whole city was in 
an uproar. The heavy cannon were dis- 
charged, and the poor Indians, who had 
never heard such large pieces of ordnance, 
were excessively terrified; for they stood' 
so near the building that the windows 
were broken by the shock. The rebels, " 
however, did not venture to approach. 

Soon after these alarms, some persons 
were deputed from the government to ask 
the rioters what they had to complain of. 
After much insolence they demanded cer- 
tain persons among the Indians whom 
they said they knew to be murderers. To 
pacify them, one of the ringleaders was 



AMONG THE INDIANS, 



81 



invited to enter the barracks and point out 
the persons; but after a strict scrutiny he 
could not discover one whom he could 
charge with any crime. They then gave 
out that the Quakers had secretly removed 
six of the Indians to a place of security. 
This was also investigated, and found to 
be false; the fact is, their real object was 
first to murder the poor Indians, and then 
taking advantage of the general conster- 
nation, to overthrow the government. 

The present situation of the Indians, 
though rendered as easy as possible, was a 
hard trial, and to many seemed little bet- 
ter than imprisonment. Their confine- 
ment had continued so long that their 
health suffered, and many were lov/ spi- 
rited; some of the younger people became 
even refractory, and as [the summer ad- 
vanced, fevers, and the small-pox broke 
out amongst them, which caused such 
dread and horror, that many meditated 
their escape from the barracks. On the 
4th July, however, poor Renatus, who had 



53 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

been falsely imprisoned under a charge of 
murder, was, after a full investigation, ac- 
quitted by the jury, to the great satisfac- 
tion of all. 

On the 4th December, 1764, peace was 
once more proclaimed, and the Brethren at 
Bethlehem seriously considered, in what 
manner to provide a settlement for the 
believing Indians, where they might en- 
joy more safety. The Indians who had 
been so long in the barracks, after a trou- 
blesome journey, arrived at Nain, whence, 
as soon as the necessary arrangements 
could be made, they were to set off for 
Wyalusing on the Susquehannah. Wa- 
gons were provided, but their journey was 
attended by numberless difficulties. They 
were often obliged to make long circuits 
to avoid the enmity of many white peo- 
ple. They also met with stormy weather 
and snow, and were obliged to keep up 
fires all night in the woods. Hunting was 
their chief support. They carried the 
loads which were put in the wagons, over 



1 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 83 

the hills, in small parcels. In some parts 
they cut their way for miles through the 
woods. The Brethren waded and swam 
across brooks and rivers; but for the wo- 
men and children they cut down trees and 
constructed rafts with great labour. In 
some places they were compelled to en- 
camp on the banks, till they could build 
canoes. They also suffered from hunger. 
When their whole stock of provisions fail- 
ed, they were reduced to live upon wild 
potatoes, and even the bark of trees. They 
had frequently no other drink but the 
muddy water they found in puddles. Some 
died upon the journey. But during all 
these afflictions, they never lost their 
cheerfulness and resignation, and when at 
last they arrived at Wyalusing, on the 9th 
May, after a journey of five weeks, they 
forgot all their pain and trouble, for joy 
that they had reached the place of their 
future abode. 

Thus ended in 1765, the painful pilgrim- 
age of the Indian congregation, which 



84 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

commenced with their fliglit from Wech;- 
quetank and Nain in 1763: and all declar- 
ed, with one accord, that unless God had 
spread his wings over them, they never 
would have lived to see that happy day. 
Unto him, therefore, they gave all the 
glory. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

As a mariner rejoices, who, after a long 
and severe storm, has reached his desired' 
haven; so did the Indian congregation and^ 
her faithful teachers rejoice. They pitch- 
ed upon a convenient spot on the banks of 
the Susquehannah, and built a regular set- 
tlement, which they called Friedenshuet^ 
ten, (Tents of Peace.) It consisted of 
thirteen Indian huts and upwards of forty 
houses, built of wood, after the European 
manner, covered with shingles, and provide 
ed with windows and chimneys. A small 



AMONa THE INDIANS. 85 

dwelling was erected for the missionaries, 
and in the middle of the street, which was 
eighty feet broad, stood the neatly built 
chapel. During the building of Frieden- 
shuetten, it was delightful to see, with 
what cheerfulness, order and industry, the 
work proceeded. Some were employed 
in building houses; others in clearing lands; 
some in hunting and fishing, for those who 
worked; and others cared in the details 
for the housekeeping. Hundreds of per- 
sons attracted by the reports concerning 
this settlement, resorted thither, and heard 
the truths of the Gospel for the first time. 
Wishing to live here in peace and safety, 
the Christian settlement soon sent to the 
chief of Cayuga, who was also at the head 
of the Iroquois, to inform him that the 
Governor of Pennsylvania had defended 
them against the rage of the white peo- 
ple, had provided them with food for a 
whole year, and had approved of their 
present settlement, if their uncle, the 
chief of the Iroquois, would also approve 



S5 



MORAVIAN MISSIONS 



of It. The messengers were very gracious- 
ly received by the chief, who immediate- 
ly made known thjeir request to the Great 
Council at Onondago.*' The answer which 
they at length received, threw the whole 
congregation into great distress; because it 
was proposed that they should rather settle 
near the upper end of Cayuga Lake. Four 
deputies, accompanied by Brother Zeisber- 
ger, went to Cayuga, where their success 
was so great, that the Council gave them 
a larger tract of land than they desired, 
extending beyond Tioga. 

Their joy at the unexpected success was 
soon disturbed by an Iroquois Indian, who 
declared that the Cayuga chief had been 
reprimanded for what he had done, and 
that it was contrary to the wish of the* 
Iroquois nation. Brother Zeisberger went 
to Bethlehem for advice; and the Brethren 
desired him to make a journey to Onon- 
dago, which he accordingly did, in com- 
pany with Brother Senseman, and an In- 
dian brother. After enduring many hard- 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 



87 



ships, they arrived, 26th October, 1766, at 
Onondago, where they were well received. 
On the following day, the council was call- 
ed, and Zeisberger made a long address, to 
which they paid the strictest attention. 
An exchange of kind offices followed, and 
the council, according to their custom, re- 
ferred his message to a future deliberation, 
promising an answer. 

Zeisberger and some of his party made 
use of this interval to visit Cayuga, and 
on the road met with a dangerous passage 
over the outlet of a large lake, which was 
remarkably deep, crossing it upon two 
slender trees, which bent so much under 
them, that they were up to their knees in 
water. On their arrival, they had a con- 
versation with the chief, by which they 
learned that the alarming account which 
had been the occasion of their toilsome 
journeys was utterly false, and in a few 
days after they received the answer of 
the council, confirming the acts of their 
head chief of Cayuga. However, they had 



SS MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

no occasion to repent what they had done; 
because, by the deliberate declaration of 
the great council of the Iroquois, the Bre-. 
thren received for the first time legal pert 
mission to preach the Gospel among them. 
^ An extraordinary number of Indian vi- 
siters flocked from all quarters to Frieden- 
shuetten, and were much struck with thif 
beauty of the place, and the regularity 
with which every thing was conducted. 
Many who had strayed, during the trou- 
bles of war, now returned and were glad- . 
ly received, and numerous proofs were 
constantly given of the influence of Chris- 
tianity. 

Evils, however, insensibly grew up, and 
the fear of having some of their young 
people seduced by the strangers who often 
made long visits, compelled them to adopt 
strict rules with regard to their visiters, 
and some of the oldest and most respected 
members of the congregation appointed to 
enforce them. Another perplexity arose 
from the rum trade. Frequent attempts 



AMONG THE INDIANS. S9 

had been made to introduce it, and it re- 
quired the most watchful care to prevent 
casual visiters from bringing it into the 
place. The white traders also gave them 
very great trouble and tried very hard to 
make Friedenshuetten a place of common 

resort. 

In this year, a solemn deputation arriv- 
ed, sent by the Delawares on the Ohio, 
representing many Indian nations. Their 
view was to establish a general peace 
among all the Indian nations. The In- 
dians of Friedenshuetten agreed to it of 
course, and gave a string of wampum in 
confirmation. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Friedenshuetten increased so fast, and 
the numbers who attended constantly were 
so great, that, in January, 1767, they be- 
gan to build a more spacious church, which 
H 2 



90 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

being completed by the ISth February, wa§. 
consecrated to the service of God. The 
Christian Indians were always willing to 
feed the hungry; nor did they even com- 
plain at the imposition of some, who, abus- 
ing their generosity, ate up their provi- 
sions, leading an idle and profligate life, 
without ever attending to the w^ord of 
God. 

Brother Zeisberger, hearing that some 
Indians on the Ohio were desirous of re- 
ceiving the Gospel, set out with several 
others on a visit to Goshgoshink, on 30th 
September, though he every where was - 
cautioned against the inhabitants. He was 
not intimidated either by these accounts, 
or the dangers and difficulties of the way, 
a detail of which would hardly be believ- 
ed. They had frequently to cross over 
plains many miles in extent, overgrown 
with such high grass, that a man on horse- 
back was completely covered with it : and 
when either dew or rain had fallen, our 
travellers were wet through. The further 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 91 

they penetrated, the more horrid the wil- 
derness appeared; and it cost them im- 
mense labour to work their way through 
the thicket. Upon their arrival at the 
first Seneca town, the appearance of a 
white man was so uncommon, that they 
sent thirty miles to the next town to an- 
nounce it to the chief. At first the chief 
spoke roughly, but after much conversa- 
tion he became quite friendly, and assured 
Zeisberger, that he at first had suspected 
him as a spy sent by the whites. On the 
16th October, they reached the place of 
destination, where, to their great surprise, 
they were lodged in the house of a rela- 
tive of one of the Christian Indians who 
was of the party. 

The whole town seemed to rejoice at 
the novelty of this visit; the missionary 
preached the glad tidings of salvation to 
them, and it seemed as if many could ne- 
ver be satified in hearing the great truths 
of religion explained. Still Brother Zeis- 
berger found that the evil reports he had 



^3 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

heard about the people, were, alas! too 
true. He had never yet seen the abomi- 
nations of heathenism practised in such a 
degree, and the people were under the 
baleful influence of certain preachers of 
their own, who promulgated the most de- 
structive doctrines. With these Zeisberger 
had many controversies; but the council, 
at his departure, even requested that a 
missionary might be sent to reside perma- 
nently among them. The report made of 
his journey, when he returned to Frieden- 
shuetten, caused universal joy, and he 
soon set out for Bethlehem to give an ac- 
count of the state of afiliirs on the Ohio. 

In February, 1768, intelligence was re- 
ceived, that a white man had murdered 
ten Indians near Shomokin. The congre- 
gation was exceedingly alarmed, lest the 
Indian nations should join and revenge 
this horrid act, which, of course, would 
render the condition of their teachers ex- 
tremely perilous; for to have a white skin 
was sufficient whenever the Indians deter- 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 03 

mined to revenge a murder committed by 
the white people, upon an Indian. Great 
exertions were made on the part of go- 
vernment; the various chiefs were all sum- 
moned to an amicable covention, and hos- 
tilities were fortunately prevented. 

It was now resolved that Brother Zeis- 
berger should go again to Goshgoshink, 
with Brother Senseman and several In- 
dian families, and endeavour to establish 
a regular mission. After a laborious and 
perilous journey of five weeks through 
the wilderness, they arrived at the place 
and were well lodged. The missionary 
now embraced every opportunity of preach- 
ing the Gospel. All these meetings were 
attended by great numbers, and it was cu- 
rious to see so many assembled to hear 
the word of God, with faces painted black, 
and vermilion, and heads decorated with 
feathers and fox tails. 

The Brethren now resolved to build a 
block-house for themselves, and they chose 
a spot near the town. In their work they 



^4 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

were assisted by the inhabitants, some of 
whom even erected their own huts around 
the missionary's dwelling. However suc- 
cessful the mission appeared to be in the: 
first instance, many secret or open ad- 
versaries soon began to disturb their pros- 
perity. Evil reports were raised against* 
the brethren. Preachers opposed the Gos- 
pel, and the sorcerers endeavoured to 
frighten the people. It was even said that 
as soon as the brethren had sufficient pow- 
er, and the baptized Indians were superior 
in number, they would kill all the un- 
baptized. Things, at last, got to such a 
pitch that the lives of the Brethren were 
every moment in danger, and they were 
even surrounded constantly with a guard 
of friends. The missionary never omitted 
to preach the Gospel, relying on the Lord 
for safety and defence; and it is worthy 
of remark, that at this very time, when 
they were daily threatened with death, 
their serious remonstrances had so good an 
effect, that the rum trade was entirely 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 95 

stopped. Had not this been the case, the 
Brethren would have found it impossible 
to remain. 



CHAPTER XV. 

At the request of the inhabitants of 
Tschechschequannink, a town about thirty- 
miles above Friedenshuetten on theSusque- 
hannah, Brother Rothe was sent to reside y 
amongst them to preach the Gospel. In 
Friedenshuetten, also, the labours of the 
Brethren were crowned with success, and 
many in both places were brought to a 
knowledge of the truth. From the chiefs 
who now visited them, the Brethren learn- 
ed with certainty that the Iroquois had 
sold to the English the lands which they 
had given to the congregation. They 
therefore sent deputies to Philadelphia, to 
obtain a new grant of the land from the 
Governor of Pennsylvania. To this they 



06 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

received a satisfactory answer in writing, 
assuring them that they should not be 
disturbed, and that the surveyors had or- 
ders not to take up any land within five 
miles of Friedenshuetten. However, they 
were frequently annoyed by Europeans,, 
who pretended that the Governor had ei- 
ther sold or given the land, and contrary 
to the orders received, even the surveyors 
came to measure the land, and were with 
difficulty convinced of their error. 

Towards autumn of this year (1769,) 
the congregation suffered very much from 
want of provisions. The little they had 
left, was consumed by visiters and travel- 
lers. It was very affecting to see families 
of five or six children without food, oblig- 
ed to go ten or a dozen miles from home 
in quest of bilberries. Happily no one 
perished from hunger. ''The barrel of 
meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of 
oil fail." 1 Kings xvii. 16. 

In Goshgoshink the Brethren had this 
year cause both for joy and sorrow. Many 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 97 

were brought to the knowledge of God; 
while the powers of darkness exerted them- 
selves with renewed force against this 
growing mission. The hostility of the In- 
dian preachers became extremely violent. 
They raved in a furious manner, and com- 
mitted the most heathenish abominations, 
even in presence of the Brethren. At 
length, the rum-trade was forcibly intro- 
duced, and this the believing Indians and 
Brethren considered as a sign from the 
Lord for their departure. 

The congregation chose Lawunakhan- 
nek, a small town on the opposite side of 
the Ohio, about fifteen miles higher. Their 
view was not to establish a regular mission- 
settlement, but only to dwell here for a 
time, till matters should be better settled. 
Among their numerous visiters at this 
place was Glikkikan, an eminent warrior 
and counsellor of the Delawares, who had 
determined to confound the Brethren, but 
was himself so influenced by the truths 
I 



98 



MORAVIAN MISSIONS 



of Christianity that he became a firm be- 
liever. 

In their new settlement they were so 
much distressed for want of provisions that 
Brother Zeisberger was obliged to visit 
Pittsburg in July, where he was so for- 
tunate as to procure a supply. At this 
place the missionary found the greatest 
consternation prevailing for fear of an In- 
dian war. Some treacherous Seneca In- 
dians had murdered several whites and 
committed other outrages. An opinion 
thus prevailed that all the Indian nations 
had broken the articles of peace. But Bro- 
ther Zeisberger, who was better acquainted 
with the state of Indian affairs, advised 
the Governor and officers to lay aside 
their resolution of considering all the In- 
dian nations as enemies, and to send dele- 
gates to the various tribes and complain of 
the Senecas. This advice was taken, and 
it was followed by good results; for the 
Senecas were declared enemies, and all the 
other Indians friends of the English. 
The period so long and so eagerly look- 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 



99 



ed for by the missionaries at length arriv- 
ed, when the first baptism took place on 
the Ohio. The persons baptized consisted 
of a married couple and their child, and 
the happy consequences were so manifest, 
that the Brethren were richly rewarded 
for all their sorrows and afflictions. 

Every thing went on in a satisfactory 
manner at Lawunakhannek, where there 
was not a house in which the Gospel 
was not preached. It is related that a 
stranger Indian was conveying a barrel of 
rum to Goshgoshink for sale, but calling 
at Lawunakhannek by the way, he heard 
the Gospel, and immediately resolved to 
stay with the Brethren, and alter his way 
of life. He returned the rum he had 
bought from a trader at Pittsburg, declar- 
ino- he would neither drink nor sell any 
more rum, as it was against his con- 
science. 

About this time a singular circumstance 
happened, which' occasioned another emi- 
gration. The Cherokees caught two Se- 



100 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

necas, cut off their fingers, and sent theru 
to their nation, saying, that because they 
would not hold on to the chain of friend- 
ship with their hands, therefore, they cut 
them off. It shouhl be observed, that the 
Senecas had previously murdered some of 
the Cherokees, and thus hostilities com- 
menced. 

The resolution to depart was received 
with joy, and all hands were employed in 

building canoes, and preparing for the jour- 
ney. They set out on the 1 7th April, 1 770, 
in sixteen canoes, passing down the river 
Ohio, by Pittsburgh, to the mouth of the 
Beaver Creek, which they entered. Here 
they met Glikkikan with some horses, 
which was a providential aid, in convey- 
ing their goods and canoes by land past 
the falls. 

The site of the new town was well 
chosen, all the formalities usual on such 
occasions with the neighbouring Indians 
were duly observed, and the place was 
called Laguntouleiiuenk, or Friedens- 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 101 

stadt, the Town of Peace. Glikkikan now 
desired to dwell with the Brethren, and 
although they endeavoured to dissuade him, 
begging him to consider that he would ex- 
change honour, power and friends, for re- 
proach and persecution, yet he was firm 
and sincere, and they could not refuse his 

request. 

Onthe'28th October, the missionary, John 
George Jungman and wife, arrived to take 
charge of the congregation, and Brother 
Senseman returned to Bethlehem, having 
been a faithful and useful assistant to Zeis- 
berger, with whom he had willingly shared 
distress and danger. In Friedensstadt a 
general awakening had taken place, and 
the missionaries were more particularly 
rejoiced to see Glikkikan, and another 
chief named Genaskund among the most 
humble and contrite. They were both bap- 
tized on the 24th December, and remained 
living and distinguished examples of the 
divine truth of that Gospel they profess- 
ed. 

I 2 



102 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 



CHAPTER XVI. 

The Brethren began to be convinced 
that the congregations at Friedenshuetten 
and Tschechschequanink would not be 
able to maintain themselves long in those 
places, partly, because the Iroquois had 
sold the land, and various troublesome de- 
mands upon them were continually re- 
newed, partly on account of a contest be- 
tween the New Englanders and the In- 
dians of Wajomick, by which Friedenshu- 
etten was much disturbed by reason of its 
vicinity. Besides this, the Senecas by their 
bad behaviour, gave them much trouble. 
One of the most powerful arguments in fa- 
vour of their emigration was this, that the 
number of European settlers daily increas- 
ed, both above and below Friedenshuet- 
ten, and the rum-trade tended to seduce 
the young people. A final resolution was 
therefore taken, to advise the Indian con- 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 103 

gregation, to accept the proposal repeated- 
ly made to them, to remove to the Ohio. 
The advice was immediately taken by both 
congregations. They resolved to move in 
the following spring, and first to go to 
Friedensstadt. In the mean time some 
families went on immediately to lay out 
plantations of Indian corn. 

In this year, 1771, the Susequehannah 
overflowed its banks to such a degree, that 
all the inhabitants of the upper town on the 
Susequehannah, were obliged to save them- 
selves in boats; and the repairs of this in- 
undation cost them much trouble and ex- 
pense. Many persons followed the Bre- 
thren from Goshgoshink on the Ohio, to 
Beaver Creek, some of whom promising 
to live in conformity to the rules of the 
congregation, obtained leave to live at 
Friedensstadt. 

The most daring falsehoods were pro- 
pagated by the savages, who even coun- 
terfeited letters and messages from various 
chiefs, for the express purpose of annoy- 



104 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

ing the Brethren. Rumors of war began 
to be circulated, and Friedensstadt was 
surrounded by troops of savages, who were 
riotous and drunken, and even threaten- 
ed to put to death all the inhabitants. Bro- 
ther Zeisberger was often in danger of be- 
ing shot, and on one occasion a party of 
malicious persons came late in the even- 
ing and would positively compel the inha- 
bitants to get drunk. When they found 
all their efforts vain, they threatened to 
murder first the teachers, and then the 
whole congregation. 

About this time the Brethren received 
a kind message from the chief and coun- 
cil living at the head waters of the Mus- 
kingum, inviting them and the two con- 
gregations on the Susquehannah to come 
and settle in their country, near the river 
Muskingum, upon whatever tracts of land 
they pleased. It was now resolved that 
Brother Zeisberger should previously 
make a journey to consult and settle eve- 
ry thing relating to this affair with the 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 105 

chiefs, which he accordingly did, and on 
his return, having arranged every thing to 
the satisfaction of all parties, set out with 
several families, and after a safe but tedious 
journey, arrived on the third of May at 
the new land on the Muskingum. Here 
Zeisberger immediately began to preach 
the Gospel, he gave it the name of Shoen- 
brunn (I3eautiful Spring,) and on the 27lh 
June, the Brethren partook of the holy 
communion. 

In the mean time preparations were 
made for their emigration. The Iroquois 
were very much displeased when they 
heard of it, and endeavoured to make the 
Christian Indians forget their treachery by 
fair words and promises. On the 1 1th June, 
all was ready, and the company consisting 
of 240 persons, proceeded with great 
cheerfulness. Brother Ettwein conduct- 
ed those who went by land, and Brother 
Rothe those by water. This journey was 
a practical school of patience. The fa- 
tigue attending the emigration of so many 



106 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

persons, through such a country, with all 
their goods and cattle, can hardly be con- 
ceived. The land travellers had 70 head 
of cattle and a greater number of horses to 
care for, and had to force their way through 
thick woods and swamps, thickets and 
pathless wilds. It rained almost incessant- 
ly. In one part of the country they were 
obliged to wade thirty-six times through 
the windings of the river Munsy. 

The party which went by water were 
every night obliged to sleep on shore, 
where they suffered much from cold. They 
suffered also from sickness, and were often 
molested by inquisitive and drunken peo- 
ple. The many falls and dangerous ra- 
pids in the Susequehannah caused im- 
mense trouble, and frequent delays. How- 
ever, by God's blessing they passed safe 
by Shamokin or Sunbury, beyond which 
they joined the land-travellers on the 29th 
of June, and now proceeded all together 
by land. 

At the mountains their difficulties in- 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 107 

creased. They had not horses sufficient, 
and the rattle-snakes kept them in constant 
alarm. Brother Ettwein happened to tread 
upon one with fifteen rattles, but without 
being harmed ; several horses, however, 
were destroyed by them. They were also 
troubled by various tormenting insects. In 
some places the woods were almost impe- 
netrable. Brother Ettwein was once in 
danger of losing his life by a fall from his \fj/ 
horse, and the wife of Brother Rothe fell 
several times from her horse with her 
child, and once her foot was dangerously 
entangled in the stirrup. 

On the 29th of July, they arrived on 
the banks of the Ohio, where they imme- 
diately commenced building canoes, and a 
few days after Brother Heckewelder and 
some Indian Brethren arrived with horses, 
by means of which they reached Friedens- 
stadt on the 5th of August Here they 
were received with every mark of affec- 
tion by the whole congregation, who join- 
ed them in praising and thanking the Lord 



108 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

for his grace and protection during their 
journey of eight weeks, for giving them 
health and strength to sustain their griev- 
ous trials, and for protecting them from 
famine, innumerable dangers and unfore- j 
seen accidents. | 

Soon after their arrival in Friedensstadt 
Zeisberger came from Shoenbrunn, and 
several conferences were held concerning 
the mission in general. Several of the , 
Brethren then visited the Indians by whose ■ 
invitation they had come to the Muskin- 
gum, in order to procure renewed assur- 
ances from the council, and to inform them 
that they intended to build one, or per- 
haps two settlements besides Shoenbrunn. 
The speaker of the deputation (an Indian 
of the name of Papunhawk, who had been 
a heathen preacher and was now a sincere 
convert) took the opportunity to give the 
council a full explanation of the sentiments, 
constitution, doctrines and worship of the 
converted Indians. The answer of the 
council was kind. Some time after a great 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 109 

part of the Indian congregation went from 
Friedensstadt to the Muskingum, and built 
a settlement about ten miles below Shoen- 
brunn, which they called Gnadenhuetten. 
During the building of these two places, 
Brother Zeisberger, with two Indian Bre- 
thren, made the first journey into the coun- 
try of the Shawanose, who were generally 
considered as the most savage among the 
Indian nations. Their reception was un- 
expectedly kind, their preaching was lis- 
tened to with the most devout attention, 
and on the eve of their departure they re- 
ceived a message from the chiefs and 
council, which concluded with these en- 
couraging words, "We therefore desire 
and pray, that not only believing Indians, 
but also white teachers would dwell among 
us, that they may teach us how to be 
saved." 

Zeisberger promised to lay their re- 
quest before the Brethren at Bethlehem, 
but desired them maturely to consider 
whether th§y were in earnest, in wishing 



110 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

to live conformably to the Gospel, adding 
that they would be obliged to forsake all 
their heathenish practices. They declared 
not only their willingness to part with 
every thing in preference to the Gospel, 
but assured him they would build a new 
town, where only those should reside 
who had resolved to believe in God. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

The congregations at Shoenbrunn and 
Gnadenhuetten being surrounded by sa- 
vage tribes, were obliged to walk with cir- 
cumspection, lest their young people, or 
newly baptized converts, should be se- 
duced by the intrigues of their neighbours, 
or drawn into political affairs. 

The situation of Friedensstadt became 
more alarming than ever. The savages 
encroached daily, and the rum trade be- 
came an insupportable evil. . Sometimes 



AMONG THE INDIANS. HI 

they would bring a great quantity of rum 
close to the town, and there drink and 
rave like madmen. In this state of in- 
toxication they frequently entered the 
town, and the inhabitants were obliged to 
fasten their shutters, and burn candles by 
day, as the drunken savages broke all the 
windows that were left open. It was cer- 
tainly owing to the gracious providence of 
God, that they were protected, for it hap- 
pened several timesj when they were fully 
bent upon mischief, that they quarrelled 
among themselves and mutilated each 
other with their knives. One day a sa- 
vage came running into the settlement ex- 
claiming that he would kill the white man, 
meaning the missionary. He proceeded 
at full speed to Brother Rothe's, burst 
open the door, and entered the room like 
an enraged wild beast. The missionary, 
who was sick in bed, sat up, and in silence 
looked with great calmness at the savage, 
which so discomposed him, that he stop- 
ped short, and was soon after seized by 



112 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

the Indian Brethren who came to their | 
teacher's relief. J 

It became necessary now to quit the 
place, and on the 13th of April, the be- 
lieving Indians with their teachers set out 
in twenty-one canoes, down the Beaver 
Creek to the Ohio, proceeding to the | 
mouth of the Muskingum, and up that ri- ^1 
ver to Gnadenhuetten and Shoenbrunn. 
Brother John Heckewelder accompanied 
those who went by water; but many went 
by a direct route across the country with 
Brother Rothe. The journey lasted three 
weeks, and not a day past but they found 
cause to thank God for his gracious help. 
Soon after arrival they were comfortably 
fixed in their new abode. 

External troubles, however, were not 
wanting. The Iroquois were intriguing 
to force the Indian nations into a war with 
the English. Petty wars of the Indian 
tribes still continued, and great confusion 
generally prevailed. A proposal was even 
made by the Dclawares to send a deputa- 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 113 

tion over the great ocean, to the king of 
England, to desire that he would make 
peace between the implacable Iroquois and 
Shawanose; and, at the same time to beg 
his majesty to inform them, which of all 
the Christian persuasions under his govern- 
ment was the best, that they might arrive 
at some certainty concerning that point. 
A question which the king was as little 
qualified to settle as any body else, and one 
which showed any thing but a love of God 
and a desire to know the truth; they who 
love God and seek him sincerely, find lit- 
tle trouble about this matter, while the 
infidel and the savage make it an objec- 
tion to Christianity. The great question 
i"s, <' What shall I do to be saved?" Let 
thi. be settled in the heart of the sinner, 
and. he will have little difiiculty in decid- 
ino- for himself with whom to worship, and 
whose peculiar faith conforms most with 
his own views of truth. It was not the 
Christian Indians who made this inqui 
ry, nor they who made it their object to 
k2 



114 MORAVIAN MISSIONS " 

"seek first the kingdom of God and his 
righteousness," but the wild and untamed 
savage; and this might appear to these 
people a greater difficulty than it can be 
even to unbelievers in Christian lands, who 
see these great divisions united in carry- 
ing on the grand objects of Christian be- 
nevolence and enterprise, by which the 
light of the Gospel is shed abroad upon 
the hearts of men. 

In September, Zeisberger, Glikkikan 
and another visited again the Shawanose; 
but their reception was unlike the first, 
and it was quite evident that the chief and 
the people were so exasperated against 
the w^hites, that no mission could at pre- 
sent be established among them. 

The year 1774 was one of trial. War 
raged between the Virginians and the 
Cherokees, Shawanose and Senecas. The 
Indians determining to kill all the whites, 
the Delawares were obliged to hide the 
white traders, and the Indians of Shoen- 
brunn and Gnadenhuetten kept a strict 



AMONG Tira INDIANS. 115 

watch for fear of an attack on the mission- 
aries. The exertions made by the Dela- 
ware nation to preserve peace, exposed 
them to the hatred and derision of the 
other tribes. The two settlements were 
in imminent danger, and would inevita- 
I bly have been destroyed, had nqj: God in 
' his mercy protected both with his al- 
mighty hand. 

The missionaries were obliged to fly to 
Bethlehem, and the rumours of war and 
peace, which varied every day for months, 
kept the believing Indians .in distressing 
suspense and danger. At length the Eng- 
lish government were obliged to- march 
H troops into the field. They attajcked the 
Shawanose, defeated them, took many 
prisoners, and burnt several of their towns. 
But as they still refused to make peace, 
Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, 
marched into their country and compell- 
ed them to submit, taking hostages as se- 
curity for peace. 

A day of public thanksgiving was ap- 



116 



MORAVIAI^ MISSIONS 



pointed on the 6th of November for this 
joyful event, and the missionaries were 
happy to find, that in the midst of these 
troubles, th.e internal establishment of the 
congregations had rather gained than lost 
ground. A striking contrast was exhibit- 
ed between the believing Indians and the 
savages. The former, though frequently 
interrupted, continued in their usual ha- 
bits of industry, &c. while the latter neg- 
lected every thing on account of the war. 
The missionaries found a firm friend in 
an Indian of the name of White Eye, first 
captain among the Delawares. This man 
kept the chiefs and council in awe, and 
would not suffer them to injure the Ere- ^ 
thren, being in his own heart convinced 
of the truths of the Gospel. He likewise 
declared that no prosperity would attend 
the Indian affairs, till they received the 
word of God, sent by the Brethren. This 
exposed him to great reproach and suffer- 
ings, and his greatest enemy was the old 
chief Netawatwees, who with many others 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 



117 



had declared that they would never hear 
and believe the word of God. White Eye 
was firm, and demanded that the Christian 
Indians should enjoy perfect liberty of con- 
science, and the teachers be protected in 
safety. Finding his remonstrances vain, 
he separated himself from his nation, who 
were surprised and alarmed, because they 
considered his presence absolutely neces- 
sary. They accordingly commenced a ne- 
gotiation, the result of which seemed pro- 
vidential; for the old chief Netawatwees 
not only acknowledged the injustice done 
to Captain White Eye, but changed his 
mind with respect to the believing In- 
dians and their teachers, and remained 
their constant friend till his death. 

Captain White Eye now repeated the 
proposal which had been formerly re- 
jected; and the council agreeing to it, an 
act was made in the name of the whole De- 
laware nation in favour of the Gospel, and 
promising liberty and protection to the 
believing Indians and their teachers. At 



1 



118 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

the end of this year Gekelemukpechuen 
was forsaken by its inhabitants, and a new 
town built on the east side of the Musk- 
ingum, opposite to the confluence of the 
Wahalding. This town was called Gos- 
chachguenk, and Netawatwees chose it for 
his future residence. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

The rest enjoyed by the congregation in 
the year 1775, was peculiarly pleasing, 
and much favoured the visits of strangers, 
who came in such numbers, that the chapel I 
at Shoenbrunn, which might contain about 
500 hearers, proved too small. 

In this year the disputes between Great 
Britain and her colonies (as our country 
was then called,) had risen to such a height, 
that the disturbances reached the Muskin- 
gum and Ohio. The Indian mission was 
brought to an extraordinary dilemma by 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 119 

this war, and it is incredible, with what 
circumspection the missionaries were obli- 
ged to act, not to offend either the English 
or Americans, or the various Indian na- 
tions inclining to one or the other party. 
In October and November, a treaty of 
peace was set on foot at Pittsburg, with 
the six nations, which did not fully suc- 
ceed, and soon after a message came from 
Goschachguenk to Shoenbrunn, to desire 
that a third settlement might be made, 
the deputies proposing two places. After 
due deliberation a spot was chosen about 
three miles below Goschachguenk, on the 
east side of the Muskingum, and called 
Lichtenau, where in a short time they 
built a town and settled it, being assisted 
by the Brethren of Gnadenhuetten, and 
large parties of friendly Indians. 

The believing Indians, consisting at the 
close of 1775, of 414 persons, lived now 
in three settlements, not far asunder, and 
a constant intercourse subsisted between 
them. Many were added to the church. 



120 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

and the affairs of the mission may be con- 
sidered to have been, at this period, in a 
most prosperous state. But externally, 
they were greatly embarrassed. They re- 
ceived various messages from all quarters, 
in the name of his Britannic majesty, from 
the American Congress, and also from In- 
dian nations. These and various rumours 
perplexed them not a little. Being re- 
solved at all events not to meddle with 
the war, they saw plainly that they should 
stand, as it were, between three fires, the 
English, the Americans, and those Indian 
nations who were displeased with their 
neutrality. But their greatest concern 
was on account of their teachers, who in 
case of an Indian war, must either fly and 
leave their congregations, or every day be 
in danger of losing their lives. 

The missionaries, however, resolved to 
stay with the people committed to their 
care, though surrounded with danger; for 
about this time the Hurons and Mingoes 
came into the vicinity and murdered 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 121 

eleven whites. One morning brother 
Heckewelder was not a little alarmed on 
opening his house door, to find some of 
these savages standing before it. Some 
Indian brethren came to his assistance, and 
they owned that they came in search of 
white people, but did not mean to kill 
their teachers. 

It now became evident why the provi- 
dence of God had placed Lichtenau so near 
to Goschachguenk ; for the believing In- 
dians could neither have defended them- 
selves nor their teachers, had they not 
been protected by the chiefs of the latter 
place. One circumstance was very per- 
plexing. The Delaware chiefs received 
letters from Pittsburg and other places, 
which they being unable to read, would 
get the missionaries to explain. It would 
have been not only unkind, but even dan- 
gerous to refuse the request, as the chiefs 
would have had occasion to doubt their 
friendship. Innocent as their compliance 
was, the missionaries wished much to be 

L 



123 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

spared this office, fearing lest people, who 
knew not the nature of the business, might 
suspect that they were themselves carrying 
on a correspondence with th.e Americans. 
The prejudice of the English, and the event 
proved their fears to be just. 

In the mean time the Hurons continued^ 
their ravages in all places attached to the 
American cause. The Delaware chiefs, 
more concerned than ever for the safety 
of the missionaries, invited them to Gos- 
chachguenk, that they might protect the 
white brethren in their own town. But 
they did not think the step necessary, 
trusting to the Lord, who had preserved 
them in so many dangers under the shadow 
of his wings. 

Various unsuccessful attempts were made 
to drag the Delawares into the war, ^nd 
the Governor of Fort Detroit and the Hu- 
ron chief could not comprehend why they 
were so firm in maintaining peace. At 
last it was ascribed to the influence of the 
missionaries, and it was ascertained some 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 123 

time after, that, at that very time, a pro- 
posal was made to seize them, and carry 
them to Fort Detroit. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

In the year 1777, the troubles increased. 
Accounts were now received that the 
savages intended first to massacre the 
white people, and then all those Indians 
who^ad not joined in the war. The 
chiefs of the Delawares rem.ained firmly 
resolved not to interfere; but the Monsys, 
one of their tribes, was secretly contriving 
to separate from the nation, and join the 
Mingoes. They endeavoured first to gain 
a party among the enemies of the mission, 
'and at last commenced their intrigues in 
the settlements. Newallike, a distinguished 
chief, was one of the first in Shoenbrunn 
who was seduced back to heathenism, pre- 
tending that he had long endeavoured to 



124 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

believe, but was now convinced that the 
Christian doctrine was a fable. 

The bad example of Newallike was 
followed by many, and a strong party of 
apostates at once sprung up in Shoenbrunn, 
who caused great distress to the servants 
of God, when they found all their efforts 
to bring back these poor backsliders, ut- 
terly vain. Added to this, intelligence 
was received that the savages, in league 
with the apostates, were on their way to 
attack Shoenbrunn. On the 19th of April, 
brother Zeisberger delivered his last dis- 
course in the town, the chapel was pulled 
down, and they departed with sorrowful 
hearts to take refuge in Gnadenhuetten and 
Lichtenau. 

A variety of treaties were entered into 
during this year by the conflicting parties, 
but the hopes of peace were entirely de- 
feated in consequence of a party of the 
Americans having fired into a body of 
Senecas who came to attend a treaty. The 
Hurons offered the Delawares the great 



AMONft THE INDIANS. 125 

war belt three times, and were refused by 
them, declaring at the J^ame time, that 
they had promised, that as long as the sun 
shoidd shine and the rivers flow, they 
would not fight against the whites. The 
Hurons were greatly displeased, and no- 
thing appeared more probable, than that 
the Delawares, and of course the Christian 
settlements, would soon be attacked by the 
surrounding savages. The lives of the 
missionaries being in such danger, it was 
resolved that some of them should return, 
and the brothers Heckewelder and Jung- 
man, parted with their beloved flock and 
reached Bethlehem in safety. 

The day after their departure news ar- 
rived at Lichtenau, that 200 Huron war- 
riors, commanded by their so-called Half- 
King, were approaching. This was very 
alarming, but the brethren determined to 
show no signs of fear, but to try to gain 
them over by a kind reception. Abundance 
of provisions was prepared, and when the 
Hurons perceived great numbers of per- 
l2 



126 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

sons coming out to meet them, and carrying 
food, they were both surprised and pleas- 
ed. Next followed a solemn deputation 
to the Half-King, Glikkikan being spokes- 
man. The event was truly pleasing. The 
answer of the Half-King soon set their 
hearts at rest. He assured them that 
nothing should harm them, and bade them 
obey the instructions of their teachers. The 
Half-King then visted Lichtenau, where 
they were also most richly entertained. 
The consequence was that he sent messen- 
gers to the English Governor at Detroit, 
and to the Huron chiefs, giving an account 
of the covenant made with the believing 
Indians, and adding, that his warriors had 
acknowledged the white brethren to be 
their fathers, and would ever own them as 
such. 

Zeisberger and Edwards were left alone 
to serve two congregations, twenty miles 
asunder; yet they could plainly perceive 
how great a favour the Lord had conferred 
upon them, in giving so favourable a turn 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 127 

to their affairs. Without this covenant 
with the Huron warriors, their very lives 
would have been in danger; and now they 
could go about even to the wildest savages, 
who treated them with respectand kindness. 

The maintenance of so many people be- 
came a grievous burden, and the inhabi- 
tants were glad to see them depart, espe- 
cially as so much rum had been brought 
from Pittsburg, that the country around 
became one scene of drunkenness, riot and 
uproar. 

Towards Autumn a dreadful account was 
received, that an American general had 
arrived at Pittsburg, who denied quarter to 
any Indian whether friend or foe, being 
resolved to destroy them all. This made 
the Delawares at length take up arms, 
alleging that they must die, whether they 
fought or not. On September 23, late at 
night, another message arrived from an 
American general, assuring the Delawares 
that they had nothing to fear, and the 



128 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

chiefs returned now to their former system 
of peace. 

In October a troop of American free- 
booters went, contrary to the express 
orders of the governor of Pittsburg, to 
destroy the Delaware towns, and the mis- 
sionary settlements. They were defeated 
by Half-King, who fell in with them ac- 
cidentally, and killed the greatest part of 
them. 

During this period of confusion and ca- 
lamity, when the spirit of murder and the 
power of darkness greatly prevailed, the 
work of God proceeded unmolested among 
the Christian Indians. The public preach- 
ing of the gospel at Lichtenau was so nu- 
merously attended that there was want of 
more accommodation. Many were bap- 
tized and received as members of the con- 
gregation. 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 129 



CHAPTER XX. 

The war still continued, from 177S to 
the middle of 17S1, and consisted chiefly 
of small excursions, which though very 
troublesome, did not materially interrupt 
the congregation. The missionaries and 
their people were often affected, when on 
the return of the savage warriors from 
their murderous expeditions, they saw 
them leading prisoners of both sexes, some 
of whom were wounded, and some small 
children; or carrying dead bodies and 
scalps through the settlement. 

Amongst a group of prisoners on one 
*f6'ccasion, were seen an old man of vener- 
able appearance, and two youths. The 
Christian Indians greatly commiserated the 
former, and offered a large sum to the 
warriors for his release, but in vain. When 
they got home the two young men were 
tortured and burnt alive. The old man, 



130 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

was condemned to suffer the same treat- 
ment, but being informed of it by a child, 
he escaped, seized a horse and fled to the 
woods. The savages pursued him, but 
without success. At the end of 10 days 
he was ahiiost famished, having eaten 
nothing but grass during that time, when 
an Indian brother found him lying in the 
woods more like a corpse than a living 
creature. He was well nursed at Lich- 
tenau and recovered. 

The greatest exertions were made to 
persuade or frighten the Delawares into 
war, but in vain. By their neutrality 
many other nations were kept quiet, not 
being willing to offend the Delaware, na- 
tion, whom they called grandfather. The 
governor at Pittsburg admitted that the 
deportment of the Indian congregation was 
a benefit conferred upon the country at 
large; and it was observed that the fury of 
the Indian warriors was greatly mitigated 
through their influence. 

The perpetual vexations to which the 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 131 

Delawares were exposed, at length ex- 
hausted their patience. The United States, 
the title which the colonies had assumed, 
began now to call upon the Delawares to 
make war against the Indians in the En- 
glish interest. This caused the chiefs to 
waver in their resolutions, and at length 
they resolved to join the English. At 
the same time they became the enemies of 
the missionaries and of the Christian In- 
dians. 

About this time the Brethren experien- 
ced numerous instances of the preservation 
of God. A party was to have been sent 
from Detroit to carry off the missionaries, 
but the design was frustrated by the sud- 
den death of the commander. On another 
occasion a false report prevented another 
body from taking the route they at first 
intended for the same purpose. Never- 
theless, all the accounts received about this 
time agreed on this point, that the destruc- 
tion of the Indian congregations was re- 
solved upon, and it was the occasion of 



133 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

much backsliding. The political divisions 
among the Delawares, too, increased daily. 
Lichtenau now became too much crowd- 
ed, and a resolution was taken to return to 
Gnadenhuetten, and to rebuild Shoenbrunn, 
not on the same spot, but on the opposite 
bank of the Muskingum. The building of 
this place was extremely troublesome. The 
part of the congregation which had gone 
thither with Zeisberger, dwelt, for the 
greater part of the year in huts, and met 
to worship in the open air, till at length 
they were enabled to occupy the new 
town in December 1779, and consecrate 
the church. 

It soon became necessary to abandon 
Lichtenau. The people of Goschachguenk, 
having changed their minds with respect 
to the believing Indians, endeavoured to 
molest them in various ways. The rob- 
beries, drunkenness, and consequently 
outrages, became insupportable to the con- 
gregation. Added to this, the warriors 
made it a constant practice to pass through 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 133 

the place. A spot about five miles below 
Gnadenhuetten was fixed upon, and the 
settlement called Salem. 

In their new town they were molested 
by the now evil-minded Delaware chiefs; 
but the internal state of the congregation 
was distinguished by particular grace, and 
the work of God continued to increase in 
the midst of trouble. 

Captain White Eye, who had so often 
advised other Indians, with great earnest- 
ness, to believe in the gospel, but had 
always postponed joining the believers 
himself, on account of his being yet en- 
tangled in political concerns, was unex- 
pectedly called into eternity, and died of 
the small pox at Pittsburg. The Indian 
congregation, to whom he had rendered 
very essential services, was much affected 
at the news of his death, and could not but 
hope that God had received his soul in 
mercy. 

In May, 1780, brother Grube, then 
minister of Litiz, in Pennsylvania, went^to 
M 



134 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

hold a visitation in the Indian congrega- 
tions. On this journey they met many 
difficulties and dangers. Three white men 
who were seeking to get Indian scalps, a 
large premium being then offered for them, 
lay in ambush near the road and shot at 
an Indian in brother Grube's party, but 
providentially the ball only passed through 
his shirt. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Ever since the autumn of 1780, the con- 
gregation had enjoyed peace and rest; but 
it appears that God, for wise purposes, had 
ordained, that this his Indian flock, and 
their teachers, should give eminent proofs 
of Christian patience, in the most grievous 
tribulations. Their new calamities arose 
from various calumnies, by which the mis- 
sionaries were represented as American 
spies, and the governor of Fort Detroit 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 135 

determined to rid himself at once of neigh- 
bours so troublesome and dangerous. He 
accordingly sent a request to the great 
council of the Iroquois, that they would 
carry them away. To this they argreed, 
but being unwilling to lay hands on them, 
they sent a message to the Chippeways 
and Ottawas, intimating that they here- 
with made them a present of the Indian 
congregation to make soup of, which in 
the war language of the Indians, meant ' to 
murder them.' They refused the message; 
but as last the Half-King of the Hurons, 
who formerly treated the congregations so 
kindly, accepted the message, declaring, 
however, at the same time, that he only 
did it to save the believing Indians from 
total destruction. The Delaware captain, 
Pipe, a noted enemy of the Gospel, and 
whose wife was a convert, was the chief 
instigator in the business. 

Arrangements being made, a large body 
of savages commanded by the Half-King, 
Captain Pipe, and an English officer, pitch- 



13G MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

ed their camp, on the 11th August, close 
to Gnadenhuetten. In the beginning they 
appeared friendly. At a meeting called 
for the purpose, the Half-King made a 
speech, in which he informed the congre- 
gations and their teachers, that it was ex- 
pedient for them to remove. As the con- 
gregations did not give a definite answer, 
the English officer and Pipe urged him to 
proceed. The consequence was that the 
Half-King, in a rough speech, expressed 
great displeasure. To this another remon- 
strance was made, declaring thatif they were 
compelled to travel to so distant a country 
before they had made good their harvest, 
they must certainly perish. The country to 
which they were going, however, had been 
falsely described as a paradise, and divi- 
sions began to occur among the believing 
Indians; some advising to go, and others 
declaring they would rather die on the 
spot. 

To add to the perplexities of the congre- 
gation, some of their members proved un- 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 1 37 

faithful, and insinuated that if the mis- 
sionaries were only seized and carried off, 
the rest would soon follow. Besides this, 
the savages had very strong suspicions that 
they had sought for succour from the Ame- 
rican troops at Pittsburg, and the heads of 
the party held several consultations, in 
which it was resolved to kill all the Bre- 
thren and Sisters. The only thing which 
prevented this catastrophe was the threats 
of one of their own sorcerers, whom they 
consulted. 

The savages now became more bold and 
violent, committing outrages, and offering 
insults in such a manner, that to use the 
missionaries own phrase, the whole atmos- 
phere seemed infested with evil spirits. 
The Half-King insisted, in a council of 
war, to which they were summoned, that 
they should instantly make answer, whe- 
ther they would go with him or not. They 
appealed to their former answer, and im- 
mediately the three missionaries were de- 
clared prisoners of war. As they were drag- 
M 2 



1 38 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

ged off, a Huron aimed a blow at Brother 
Senseman's head, but missed him. A 
Monsy seized the missionaries by the hair, 
and shook them in derision, and when 
they were brought to the camp, the death 
song was sung over them. 

Soon after, about thirty savages arrived 
at Salem in the dusk of the evening, broke 
open the mission house, and took Brother 
Jung, Sister Heckewelder and her child 
prisoners, the former having narrowly es- 
caped being killed by a tomahawk. On 
the same night, some Hurons went to 
Shoenbrunn, and having plundered the 
church and private houses, set off with 
their booty and prisoners. Among the 
prisoners no one was more to be pitied 
than Sister Senseman, who had an infant 
born but three days before, and now with 
her infant was hurried away by these mer- 
ciless barbarians in a dark and rainy night. 
Had she been too weak to follow the sa- 
vages, she and her infant would have been 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 139 

instantly murdered, according to their 
usual practice in similar cases. 

For four days and nights, the prisoners 
suffered in the most cruel manner, during 
which time uproar and distress of every 
kind prevailed in their once peaceful and 
pious homes. At last, the savages were 
convinced that the believing Indians would 
never be persuaded to leave the settle- 
ments, unless they were led by the mis- 
sionaries. The missionaries were then de- 
clared free, and advised to encourage the 
Indians to prepare for emigration. 

Never did any people forsake a country 
with more regret. They bade a painful 
adieu to their three beautiful settlements, 
having already lost above 200 head of 
cattle, and 400 hogs. They left behind 
a quantity of Indian corn in store, and 300 
acres of corn land, when the harvest was 
just ripening, besides their gardens of fruits 
and vegetables. They also lost all their 
books and papers, compiled with great 
trouble, for the instruction of youth. 



140 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

The savages now drove them forward 
like a herd of cattle. The white Bre- 
thren and Sisters were usually in the midst 
surrounded by the believing Indians. The 
road was exceedingly bad. Sister Zeis- 
berger fell twice from her horse, and once 
hanging in the stirrup, was dragged for 
some time. After many sorrows, they 
reached Sandusky Creek on the 11th Oc- 
tober, about 125 miles from their lost 
homes. Here the Half-King with his 
Huron warriors left them without any or- 
ders or aid, and marched into his own 
country, and they found themselves left in 
the wilderness, like the children of Israel 
without any certain means of subsistence! 
depending alone on the goodness of Al- 
mighty God. In this dreary waste, they 
'determined to build huts to screen them- 
selves from cold, having neither beds nor 
blankets, for the savages had stolen every 
thing on the journey. Captain Pipe boast- 
ed that he had made the believing Indians 
and their teachers slaves. The Half-King 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 141 

informed them that they were now under 
his dominion and bound to go to war in 
his service. 

But the poor persecuted people had 
scarcely a breathing time in this place, 
when a message arrived from the Governor 
of Detroit, requesting that Captain Pipe 
would conduct the teachers and some of 
the believing Indians to him. The Bre- 
thren were glad of an opportunity of de- 
fending themselves, and Zeisberger, Sense- 
man, Heckewelder, and Edwards, set out, 
with four Indian assistants, for Fort De- 
troit. 

They arrived on the 3d November, and 
were brought before the governor, who 
was at first displeased, having expected all 
the missionaries and families, whom he in- 
tended to send all together to Philadelphia. 
The governor informed them that the only 
reason of his sending for them, was be- 
cause he had heard they corresponded 
with the Americans to the prejudice of the 



142 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

English interest. The missionaries only 
demanded a strict investigation of the mat^ 
ter, and their trial was postponed till 
the arrival of Pipe, who was their chief 
accuser. But it soon became evident that 
God had changed the heart of this man ; for 
after a short struggle, he confessed that the 
missionaries were innocent, and fully ex- 
plained the innocent correspondence car- 
ried on through the missionaries, in the 
name of the Delaware chiefs, of which we 
have spoken above, and which had proved 
the source of so much misery. 

The governor having done nothing in 
this whole affair, but what his duty re- 
quired, now declared publicly, that the 
Brethren were innocent of all things laid 
to their charge, and with many sincere ex- 
pressions of kindness and offers of aid, he 
permitted them to return to their anxious 
congregations. Both the missionaries and 
their Indian assistants returned thanks to 
God for their preservation, and they arrived 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 143 

on the 22d November at Sandusky, where 
the joy of their families and the congre- 
gations was inexpressible 



CHAPTER XXII. 

The year 1782 was big with new and se- 
verer disasters to the afflicted congregation. 
Famine, as was foreseen, began to spread 
among them. Many of the poor lived 
merely upon wild potatoes, and at last 
their hunger was such, that they greedily 
ate the carcasses of horses and cows which 
were starved to death. The savages, who 
visited Sandusky, expressed joy at their 
sufferings. At this melancholy period, 
the accusations of- their enemies were re- 
newed, and the result was a written order 
to the Hurons, to bring all the missiona- 
ries and their families to Detriot. The 
missionaries would rather have met death, 
than thus abandon their precious flock to 



144 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

the wolves; but remonstrance was vain, 
and the whole congregation lifted up their 
voices in lamentation, exclaiming, they 
were left as sheep without a shepherd. 
The day before their departure, and their 
anguish was increased by a dreadful ru- 
mour, which proved afterwards too well 
founded. 

This bloody catastrophe to which we al- 
lude, took place on the river Muskingum. 
A party of murderers, hearing that differ- 
ent companies of the believing Indians 
came occasionally from Sandusky to the 
settlements on the Muskingum to fetch 
provisions, about one hundred and sixty 
in number, assembled and determined first 
to surprise those who were then at the 
settlements, and then march to Sandusky 
to cut oflf the whole Indian congregation. 

Meanwhile the murderers marched first 
to Gnadenhuctten. About a mile from the 
place, they met young Schebosch in the 
woods, and although he begged for his 
life, they cut him in pieces with their 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 145 

hatchets. They then approached the In- 
dians, assuringthem that they would do them 
no harm. They even pretended to pity 
them, went into their houses, where they 
were treated in a hospitable manner, and 
even told their unsuspecting victims that 
they would carry them to Pittsburg, where 
they would be out of all danger. Deceived 
by these assurances, and ignorant of the 
murder of Schebosch, they gave up all 
their weapons, and even informed these 
wretches where they had secreted all their 
valuables, being assured that tliey would re- 
ceive every thing back at Pittsburg. No- 
tice was sent to Salem of the arrival of 
these people, who had come to afford them 
protection and an asylum. A party of 
them even went to Salem, where they pre- 
tended to have the same good will towards 
them also, and they easily persuaded them 
to return with them to Gnadenhuetten. 
On the road they even feigned great 
piety, and conversed on religious matters 
with seeming devoutness. On arriving, to 



146 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

their astonishment, they were all seized 
and bound, and at a council which was 
immediately held over them, it was re- 
solved by a majority of votes, to put them 
all to death the next day. 

They were led into two houses, in one 
of which the brethren, and in the other the 
sisters and children were confined like 
sheep ready for slaughter. They were 
then iaformed of the terrible fate which 
awaited them. They protested their in- 
nocence, but bowed themselves to the will 
of their Father in Heaven. To him they 
poured out their hearts, and in prayer and 
praise to him, they passed their last awful 
night here below. 

The 8th of March. The day of execu- 
tion came. To the two houses in which 
they were confined, their wanton butchers 
gave the name of "slaughter houses. '^ On 
their expressing some impatience at the 
delay, the brethren replied, that they 
were ready to die, and Iiad commended 
their immortal souls to God, who gave 
them assurance of eternal rest. Inime- 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 147 

diately the carnage commenced. The 
poor innocent people, men, women and 
children were led, bound two and two 
together with ropes into the "slaughter 
houses," and there scalped and killed. 

Of ninety six persons, only two youths, 
between fifteen and sixteen years old, 
escaped as it were by miracle. One of 
them slipt unperceived through a narrow 
window into the cellar of the house in 
which the sisters were executed. Their 
blood ran in streams into the cellar. Here 
the lad remained till night, when he fled 
to a neighbouring thicket. The other 
youth's name was Thomas. The mur- 
derers struck him only one blow on the 
head, took his scalp, and then left him as 
dead. After some time he recovered his 
senses, saw himself surrounded by bleeding 
corpses. Among these he observed one 
brother, called Abel, moving and trying to 
raise himself up. But he remained as if 
dead, and this caution saved him; for soon 
after one of the murderers coming in, and 
observing Abel's motions, killed him out- 



148 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

right with two or three blows. At night 
Thomas made his escape, a ghastly spec- 
tacle! The two 3'ouths afterwards met, 
and God enabled them to reach Sandusky. 
The last scene they witnessed of this awful 
drama, represented the inhuman actors 
making merry, while they set fire to the 
slaughter houses filled with corpses. 

At such scenes the heart sickens, and 
while we wonder at the deep depravity of 
man, we should adore that merciful God 
who has sent to us the gospel of his Son. 
Such is man without the light of the Gos- 
pel; such have been men in all ages and 
climes where the light of God's revelation 
has not come to soften the heart, to correct 
the mind, and to lead men to the love of 
God and each other, and to the practice of 
holiness. How should we cherish that holy 
word, and guide all our conduct by its 
rules, and seek the aid of almighty God to 
enlighten our minds by his own truth, and 
to give us his spirit in our hearts! 

The Indians at Shoenbrunn were pro- 
videntially warned of their danger, and 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 149 

having very narrowly escaped, arrived, 
after many perils and difficulties, safe at 
Sandusky. To describe the mingled hor- 
ror and lamentation of the people, when 
they learned this cruel massacre, is im- 
possible. They were literally stunned by 
the affliction. Parents and children, hus- 
bands and wives, brothers and sisters, joined 
in the general voice of grief, and melted 
into one common and almost inconsolable 
sorrow. They did not murmur at Provi- 
dence — they did not call down vengeance 
on their terrible foes; but their hearts 
healed under the consoling reflection, that 
their murdered relatives were translated 
to a better world, and they freely forgave, 
nay, even prayed for their cruel enemies. 

We now return to the missionaries who 
had been summoned with their families, 
as we have already said, to Detroit. Soon 
after their departure they were informed 
of all the particulars of the horrid murder, 
the report of which they had already heard, 
and were filled with inexpressible anguish, 
n2 



150 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

Torn, too, as they were, at the time, entirely 
from their beloved flock, a circumstance 
which, in all their former sufferings and 
trials had never happened, they were ut- 
terly at a loss to discern the ways of the 
Lord; all appeared dark and mysterious. 
After being detained a considerable time, 
and exposed to many sorrows and persecu- 
tions from their enemies, the governor of 
Detroit at length sent two vessels with a 
guard of riflemen, and orders to treat them 
with every possible kindness. On their 
arrival ^t Detroit he visited them, assured 
them, that, though many new accusations 
were brought against them, that he be- 
lieved them innocent, and that in removing 
them their safety alone was consulted, for 
that he had received the most authentic 
intelligence that their lives were in dan- 
ger, as long as they resided at Sandusky. 
He also left it to their option, to remain at 
Detroit, or return to Bethlehem, and gave 
orders that they should be supplied with 
every thing of which they stood in need. 
The missionaries heard afterwards, ac- 



AMONG THE INDIANS- 151 

cidentall)^, but with the truest py, that the 
Indian assistants continued, during their 
absence, to meet and exhort the congrega- 
tion, which still performed all the duties 
of religion. But this pleasing course was 
of short duration. Many troubles beset 
them. Among the rest the Half-King of 
the Hurons was so incessantly tormented 
by his evil conscience, that he could not 
rest, as long as any Christian Indians were 
in his neighbourhood; for their presence 
continually reminded him of his cruel and 
treacherous behaviour to them and their 
teachers. He therefore sent them a pe- 
remptory order to quit the country. It 
really seemed as if no place was left where 
these persecuted people could rest the soles 
of their feet; but they resolved patiently 
to submit, since it appeared to be the 
will of God that they should be scattered. 
Part went for a refuge into the country of 
the Shawanose; the rest resolved to pro- 
ceed westward to the Miami river. 

This dispersion put an end to the ex- 
n3 



"^52 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

istence of the congregation for a time; hut 
in this the gracious providence of God 
could be distinctly traced. The same gano; 
of murderers marched in May 1782, to 
massacre the remnant of the congregation 
at Sandusky, where they found nothing 
but empty huts. Thus their dispersion 
proved their safety, and thus too it became 
evident that the removal of their missiona- 
ries happened by the kind permission of 
God. It is proper to state, that the gang 
of murderers fell in with a party of English 
and Huron warriors, who were made in- 
struments of their punishment; for they 
were attacked, and the greater part cut to 
pieces. 



CHAPTER XXHI. 

The missionaries did not avail them- 
selves of the liberty given them by the 
Governor of Detroit,- but resolved from 
motives of duty and affection, to use all 
their exertions to gather their scattered 



I 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 153 

people. A piece of land for a settlement 
was offered with the consent of the Chip- 
peways, in whose country it lay, about 
thirty miles from Detroit on the river Hu- 
ron. The governor generously sent to all 
the believing Indians, inviting them to join 
their teachers. In the course of a short 
time they began to assemble from all quar- 
ters, and the Brethren, Zeisberger and 
Senseman, accompanied the first party to the 
place destined for their future residence. 
They arrived on the evening of 21st July, 
1782, and on the following day, chose a 
convenient spot on the south side of the 
river Huron, where they marked out a 
new settlement, which they called Gna- 
denhuetten, in remembrance of their for- 
mer home on the Muskingum. On No- 
vember 5th, the re-assembled congrega- 
tion to the number of fifty-three, met to 
consecrate their new church unto God, and 
closed this year of weeping and sorrow, 
with thanksgivings and praise. 

In May, 1783, the missionaries received 
N 4 



154 V MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

the joyful news of peace between England : 
and the United States, and in July, they ^ 
had the pleasure to see the Brethren, Wey- 
gand and Schebosch from Bethlehem, from 
whom they received an account of the 
sympathizing share which all the Brethren 
both in America and Europe had taken in 
their afflictions. The success of the en- 
deavours made to collect the dispersed 
congregation was gradual; many returned, 
but some could not be reclaimed from hea- 
thenism. 

A most extraordinary frost set in with 
the year 1784. The rivers and lakes were 
all frozen, and the snow in some places lay 
five and six feet deep. As no one expect- 
ed so severe and long a winter, there was 
not sufficient provision made for man or 
beast, and much suffering ensued. At length 
a general famine prevailed, and the hol- 
low eyes, and emaciated countenances of 
the poor people, were the sad tokens of 
their distress. Providence in due time 
relieved them from this dreadful scourge, 
and every one once more began to smile. 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 155 

Many circumstances conspired to ren- 
der it adviseable for the congregation once 
more to abandon their sweet homes, now 
doubly dear, on account of the terrible 
scenes of trouble and calamity through 
which they had passed. For the Chippe- 
ways, after the peace, became dissatisfied, 
studied new vexations, and even threaten- 
ed to murder them. Added to this, the 
governor would not permit them to clear 
any more land to build on, because no- 
thing was yet fixed as to the territory or 
government. The missionaries, therefore, 
thought it most prudent to take steps to 
return to the south side of Lake Erie, and 
to settle near the river Wahalding. Pre- 
parations were consequently made to emi- 
grate in the following spring. 

The year 1785, which was one of great 
peace and prosperity, brought also a varie- 
ty of contradictory reports, which render- 
ed it inexpedient to emigrate at present, 
and in the mean while several of the mis- 
sionaries returned to Bethlehem, leaving 
the mission under the care of the Bre- 



156 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

thren Zeisberger, Heckewelder and Ed- 
wards. They learned that Congress had 
expressly reserved the district on the 
Muskingum to be given back to them, but 
the disordered state of the Indian nation, 
and various other impediments tended to 
delay removal. 

In the beginning of the year 1786, they 
received such a hostile message from the 
Chippcvvay chief, that the missionaries re- 
solved, notwithstanding they were threa- 
tened also by the savages beyond Lake 
Erie, to emigrate; and if they could not 
at present take possession of the settle- 
ments on the Muskingum, to settle in the 
first convenient place they should find. 
They reached Detroit without much diffi- 
culty, where they were kindly treated, and 
on the 2Sth of April, went on board of 
two trading vessels belonging to the North 
West Company, which had been generous- 
ly offered them, and orders at the time 
given to the Captains to treat their pas- 
sengers with every attention, and to run 
no risks. 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 157 

They had a good voyage till they ar- 
rived at a certain island, where they were 
detained by baffling and unfavourable 
winds for the space of four weeks. At 
last, after passing an uncomfortable time 
upon the islands, a brisk gale wafted them 
swiftly towards Cayahaga, but suddenly 
shifting, drove them back to their old sta- 
tion. Most of the Indians were so sick 
that they lay on the deck half dead and 
senseless. To prevent their rolling over- 
board, they were fastened to the deck. 

The missionaries now proposed to be 
landed at some nearer place, and after much 
trouble, one division, with Brother Zeis- 
berger, landed about SO miles above San- 
dusky bay, where they encountered ex- 
cessive hardships in cutting their way 
through the thickets, and over the high 
and steep rocks. But they were all glad 
to set their feet on land again. On the 
4th of June, the second division, with Bro- 
ther Heckewelder, overtook them along 
the shore in their slight canoes, and they 
now all proceeded in a body. On the 7,th 



158 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

of June, they reached the cclcl^ratetl rocks, 
which rise forty or fifty feet perpendicu- 
larly, and are in many places so under- 
mined, that they project over the lake. 

Here they landed, and being in want of 
provisions, continued their voyage up the 
river Cayahaga, till they arrived, on ISth 
June, at an old town about one hundred 
and forty miles distant from Pittsburg. 
They immediately set to work to make 
themselves as comfortable as possible; and 
very soon were convinced that they were in 
greater safety, than they would have been 
on the Muskingum. 

The first Indian brother who departed 
this life at their new settlement (which 
was called Pilgerruh, or Pilgrim's Rest) was 
Thomas, the lad who made his escape after 
being scalped at Gnadenhuetten, as we 
have before described. He was drowned. 
Since he lost his scalp, he was afflicted 
with so violent a rheumatism of the head, 
that it frequently took away his senses. 
This was probably the occasion of his 
death, for he was an excellent swimmer, 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 159 

and his body was found in shallow water. 
In October, 17S6, Brother Heckewelder 
took an affecting leave of the Indian con- 
gregation, which he had served for many 
years with great faithfulness, and return- 
ed to Bethlehem, attended by the best 
wishes and prayers of all the people, by 
whom he was greatly beloved. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Congress continued to give the most fa- 
vourable assurances to the Brethren at 
Bethlehem, doing all in their power to 
establish the believing Indians once more 
at their former settlements on the Mus- 
kingum; but reports had arrived that the 
Americans had been committing some new 
outrages, and so completely were the 
imaginations of the people terrified by the 
horrid massacre on the Muskingum in 
17S2, that they frequently, on the least 
alarm, fled to the thickets for conceal- 
ment. 



160 MORAVIAN MISSIONS 

But the year 1787 was still begun under 
the pleasing hope that they might yet be 
enabled to conclude it in tranquillity on 
the Muskingum. New troubles however 
arose. Towards the close of the year they 
received a message from Captain Pipe, 
who proposed to place them in Pettquot- 
ting, far to the west of Cayahaga, and 
between it and the river Sandusky. In 
this year, at a great council of the Indians, 
held at Sandusky, it was resolved, that 
the war with the United States should 
begin with new vigour, and that if the 
Christian Indians would not of their own 
accord, give up the idea of settling on the 
Muskingum, they should be obliged to do 
it by force; that the missionaries should 
not be taken prisoners, but killed, in order 
to put an end at once to the mission. 

Thrown thus into the greatest perplexity, 
they determined, after mature deliberation, 
to give up all thought of returning to the 
Muskingum for the present, and at the 
same time not remain on the Cayahaga; 
but rather to seek some spot between that 



AMONG THE INDIANS. 161 

river and Pettquotting, where they might 
procure a peaceable and safe retreat. They 
set out on the 19th of April in two parties, 
and arrived on the 25th, at the place fixed 
upon for their future abode. It appeared 
like a fruitful orchard. They had never 
settled upon so good and fertile a spot. 
The lake abounded with fish; and wild 
potatoes, which are very much esteemed, 
grew plentifully. The brethren rejoiced 
at the prospect of settling in this pleasant 
country, especially as they would here be 
out of the reach of the troublesome savages. 
But their joy was of short duration. 
They were again obliged to break up, and 
entering once more upon their pilgrimage, 
sought and found near Pettquotting, an 
uninhabited place, situated on a river called 
also Huron, which empties into Lake Erie 
at Pettquotting. Here they began their 
plantations and houses, and called the 
place New Salem. On the 6th of June 
they finished and consecrated their new 
chapel, and the missionaries were glad- 



162 MORAVIAN MISSIONS, &C. 

dened once more at the prospect of rest, 
which they so much needed. 

They were visited hy the Indians living 
about them, many of whom turned to the 
Lord. 

The mission had now stood forty-five 
years. From a registry of the congrega- 
tion dated in 1772, we learn, that up to 
that period 720 Indians had been added 
to the church. The number of the con- 
verted since that period, cannot be fixed 
with certainty, since all the books and 
writings of the congregation had been 
burnt on the Muskingum in 1781. It is, 
however, more than probable that the 
number was fully equal to the former, 
from which it would follow that one thou- 
sand four hundred and forty Indians had 
been converted to Christianity through the 
instrumentality of these faithful and much 
tried servants of God, and that this flock, 
however small, still continued a light of 
the Lord, shining unto many heathen 
nations. 



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